Jose Luis Ballester apologizes for urinating in Rae’s Creek at Masters

US Amateur champion Ballester says he forgot restroom location before impromptu moment at Augusta National.

José Luis Ballester of Spain, competing as an amateur, hits a tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Photo by Ben Jared/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Reigning US Amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester apologizes for urinating in Rae’s Creek during the opening round of the Masters, after a spontaneous bathroom break on the par-five 13th hole drew widespread attention. The 21-year-old Spaniard said Friday that he had formally apologized to Augusta National for the incident and hoped the moment could be left in the past.

“I already apologized to the club, and I think we just move on from this moment,” Ballester said. His comments came after the story, which began as an awkward moment hidden by Augusta’s signature slopes, quickly became a viral headline around the golfing world.

Despite the unintended attention, Ballester has taken the moment in stride. With humor, humility, and a little embarrassment, he acknowledged the misstep while showing little regret for the decision made under pressure—both literal and figurative.

The moment at Rae’s Creek

The situation unfolded during Thursday’s first round at Augusta National, one of golf’s most hallowed grounds. Ballester, playing in his first Masters, found himself caught in a dilemma near the 13th tee. He needed to use the bathroom but couldn’t locate the facilities in time.

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

His plan, however, was quickly noticed. While Ballester faced away from the crowd, some spectators realized what was happening. Rather than jeers, the 21-year-old received cheers—an unexpected show of support that made the awkward moment slightly more lighthearted.

“They clapped for me. Probably one of the claps that I really got real loud,” Ballester said. “So that was kind of funny.”

A wave of reaction

News of the incident spread rapidly across social media and sports news outlets. Ballester Rae’s Creek began trending, and video clips—albeit from a respectful distance—circulated online. For a golfer making his Masters debut, it was an unconventional way to gain global recognition.

Despite the unexpected attention, Jose Luis Ballester apologizes for urinating in Rae’s Creek without hesitation and seems more amused than ashamed. He said he received messages from friends showing support, helping him navigate the media glare.

“A couple friends reached out just to say, ‘Hey, you’ll be fine. I’m still your friend,’” Ballester shared. “So yeah, it’s good to have those friends that have your back when the news is not that good about you.”

Not ashamed, just human

In his initial comments on Thursday, Ballester was forthright and unapologetic about what happened, insisting that in similar circumstances, he would do the same again.

“If I had to do it again, I would do it again,” he said with a grin. “Nature calls, you know?”

The response from Ballester has helped turn what could have been an uncomfortable scandal into a somewhat charming story about a young golfer learning to navigate the pressures—and pitfalls—of major championship golf.

Understanding Augusta’s traditions

While Ballester has now apologized to Augusta National, it’s important to understand the gravity of the course’s traditions. Augusta is a place where decorum is held sacred. Every detail, from the way spectators behave to how players conduct themselves, is deeply steeped in tradition and etiquette.

That’s what made the incident stand out. Rae’s Creek isn’t just any stream—it’s part of the iconic Amen Corner, a place where Masters history is often made or lost. To have a player inadvertently turn it into an impromptu restroom brought a surreal moment to a tournament known for its polished image.

By offering a sincere apology and showing maturity in handling the fallout, Jose Luis Ballester apologizes for urinating in Rae’s Creek in a way that fits the Augusta ethos: address the misstep, show respect, and move on.

A promising future still intact

This odd moment won’t define Ballester’s career. The 21-year-old has a bright future ahead. Winning the US Amateur earned him an invitation to Augusta, and while this wasn’t the kind of Masters memory he had planned to make, it’s unlikely to be his last time competing on such a stage.

In fact, the way he handled the situation—calm, candid, and even a bit humorous—may win him more fans than any birdie or eagle could. Golfers, after all, are human, and Ballester’s ability to laugh at himself and take responsibility shows maturity well beyond his years.

A lesson learned

When asked whether he had learned anything from the episode, Ballester was quick with a response.

“Yeah, I learned to check for the restrooms before the round starts,” he joked. “Or at least remember where they are.”

While this may seem like a light-hearted conclusion to an otherwise strange story, it serves as a reminder that even in a sport as refined as golf, real-life moments happen. And sometimes, those moments break through the seriousness of the tournament and bring levity to the green fairways of Augusta.

Social media reacts

The online reaction to Ballester’s bathroom break was a mix of amusement, sympathy, and admiration for how he handled it. Some compared the moment to past on-course blunders, while others praised the young Spaniard’s candidness.

Memes appeared within hours. One popular image showed a Masters scoreboard rebranded as “Bladder Leaderboard,” while another joked that Rae’s Creek had gained a new sponsor.

But through it all, support for Ballester remained strong. Fans appreciated his honesty, and fellow players respected his decision to address it directly.

At the end of the day, Jose Luis Ballester apologizes for urinating in Rae’s Creek, but his story has become more than a strange incident on the back nine of Augusta National. It’s now a tale of a young golfer handling an awkward moment with grace, humility, and a sense of humor.

Ballester’s debut at the Masters may be remembered for an unplanned pit stop, but it also showed the world that even on golf’s grandest stage, authenticity matters. If he continues to play with the same poise he showed in handling this off-course distraction, his future in professional golf remains as bright as ever.