Jose Luis Ballester Avoids Penalty for Creek Urination Incident at Masters Tournament

Watergate Moment Passes into Masters History as Ballester Avoids Punishment
(By Mike Keegan | Updated: 22:17 BST, 11 April 2025)

Augusta National is no stranger to drama, but rarely does it involve a player answering nature’s call in Rae’s Creek. Spain’s Jose Luis Ballester, the 2024 U.S. Amateur champion, sparked headlines Thursday after being caught urinating near the iconic 13th hole during the Masters. Yet by Friday, the incident had dissolved into little more than a cheeky footnote in tournament lore.

[Image: Ballester urinating into Rae’s Creek during his Thursday round.]

The 21-year-old’s impromptu pit stop quickly became the talk of the course. While Augusta’s strict decorum is legendary, officials opted against penalizing Ballester, who openly admitted to the act. “If I had to do it again, I would,” he quipped, adding that the stunt earned him his “biggest cheer of the round.”

[Image: Ballester teeing off alongside Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas on Friday.]

By Friday afternoon, Ballester was back in action, paired with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas. Augusta National’s response? Silence, as per tradition. However, insiders suggest the Spaniard was likely reminded of the course’s restroom locations.

Spectators at the second hole couldn’t resist poking fun. “Do you need to poop?” one woman muttered as Ballester passed. The golfer, sporting a subdued black cap and “Team Spain” polo, stayed focused—though his heavy swig from a blue Powerade drew brief scrutiny.

[Image: Ballester drinking from a Powerade bottle during his Friday round.]

Ballester’s antics also drew attention to his attire. After criticism for an inverted “Sun Devils” cap on Thursday, he opted for a more conservative look. Meanwhile, his scorecard remained steady: he entered Friday four under par and avoided any water-related setbacks.

The incident, dubbed “Watergate” by fans, highlights Augusta’s unique blend of reverence and irreverence. While the club’s green jackets prioritize dignity, Ballester’s unapologetic humor—and the crowd’s reaction—prove even hallowed grounds aren’t immune to levity.

As the Masters marches on, Ballester’s creek caper will linger in memory—a reminder that even at golf’s most sacred venue, nature (and human nature) sometimes takes precedence.

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(Note: Image placements are indicated above. Actual article would include captioned photos of Ballester’s incident, Friday round, and reactions.)