Josele Ballester continues to accumulate accolades. The former Arizona State University player has been named International Golfer of the Year 2025 by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) in collaboration with FlightScope, in the NCAA Division I category. The recognition is part of the prestigious Gary Player International Awards, which honour the best international collegiate golfers in the United States.
The Castellón native concludes a stellar season with a stroke average of 70.52, five top 5 finishes, and a victory at the Fighting Illiniois Invitational. His consistency and high level earned him the title of Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and PING First Team All-American. Just before turning professional, he was ranked fifth in the world amateur rankings, the highest non-American.
This award closes a historic chapter. In 2024, Ballester became the first Spaniard to win the US Amateur, one of the most prestigious amateur golf championships worldwide. With this triumph, he etched his name in Spanish golf history, achieving an unprecedented feat for our country.
The now LIV Golf player concludes a brilliant collegiate career as a four-time All-American, establishing himself as one of the great emerging talents in European golf. The award, named after Gary Player, one of the legends of world golf, recognises not only competitive performance but also the international character and sportsmanship of the awardees.
Alongside Ballester, the following players were also recognised with the Gary Player International Golfer of the Year Award: Sungyeop Cho (South Korea, Colorado Christian University) in Division II; Justin Chan (England, Carnegie Mellon University) in Division III; Jack Whaley (England, Dalton State College) in NAIA; and Adam Bresnu (Morocco, Odessa College) in NJCAA. They all represent international excellence in collegiate golf in the United States.
