Spanish Golfer Admits to Urinating Into Rae’s Creek During Masters: ‘I’d Do It Again’

José Luis Ballester, a highly regarded Spanish amateur, admitted to urinating in Rae’s Creek during the Masters and said he would “do it again” if nature called.

Ballester, who was grouped with defending champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas, took the impromptu bathroom break after hitting his third shot on “Azalea,” Augusta National’s famed 12th hole.

The 21-year-old shot a four-over 76 and later said he forgot there were restrooms available on the fabled, Georgia course.

“I completely forgot that we had those restrooms to the left of the tee box,” he told reporters. “And then I’m like, I really need to pee. Didn’t really know where to go, and since JT [Justin Thomas] had an issue on the green, I’m like, I’m just going to sneak here in the river and probably people would not see me that much, and then they clapped for me. Probably one of the claps that I really got today, real loud, so that was kind of funny.”

“It was not embarrassing at all for me,” Ballester continued. “If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”

Who is José Luis Ballester?

José Luis Ballester is a rising star in the world of golf, widely recognized for his impressive amateur career and calm demeanor on the course. A native of Spain, Ballester captured national attention when he won the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship, securing invitations to major tournaments including the Masters. He also won the 2020 Spanish Amateur and 2023 European Amateur.

Known for his precise ball striking and steady temperament, Ballester has represented Spain in international competitions and played collegiate golf at Arizona State University.

Masters Underway with Challenging Conditions

The first round of the Masters got underway under clear skies at Augusta National, but the course played tough, with firm greens and swirling winds challenging even the most experienced players.

​The opening round saw England’s Justin Rose surge to an early lead, carding an impressive 8-under-par 64. Rose’s round featured a remarkable stretch of six birdies over eight holes, positioning him four strokes ahead of his closest competitors. Scheffler delivered a solid performance with a bogey-free 4-under 68, placing him in a tie for second alongside Canada’s Corey Conners. Scheffler’s round was highlighted by a stunning 62-foot birdie putt on the fourth hole, demonstrating his intent to retain the green jacket. ​

Among the rising stars and international players, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy both posted 3-under 69s, keeping them within striking distance of the lead. McIlroy, aiming to complete his career Grand Slam, showed composure throughout his round. Meanwhile, 65-year-old veteran Fred Couples turned back the clock with a 1-under 71, marking 42 years since his first under-par round at the Masters and setting a new record for the longest span between such rounds in tournament history.

This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.

Update: 4/10/25, 5:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 4/10/25, 5:19 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.