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Masters Amateur Doubles Down on Peeing in Rae's Creek at Augusta

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kendall Capps | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 7:17 PM ET

Several big names are atop the leaderboard at the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Scottie Scheffler is among them, carding a 4-under 68 on Thursday.

But it was his playing partner, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester who stole headlines after the opening round.

While addressing his round, Ballester revealed that he took relief while playing the par-5 13th. Just not the type of relief golf fans are accustomed to seeing.

"I completely forgot that we had those restrooms to the left of the tee box," Ballester said.

"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."

Ballester did not realize that patrons in attendance were fully aware of what had transpired.

"Probably one of the claps that I really got today real loud, so that was kind of funny."

That type of behavior is far from the norm at Augusta National, a club that prides itself on decorum and professionalism.

Yet, afterward Ballester doubled down on his decision.

"They saw me. It was not embarrassing at all for me. If I had to do it again, I would do it again."

The 21-year-old amateur finished his round with a 4-over 76. He carded two birdies, three bogeys and a triple bogey on the par-4 5th. A result that will likely need vast improvement if he wants to play the weekend.

Ballester will tee off alongside Scheffler and Thomas at 1:23 p.m. ET on Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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