Sergio Garcia has lavished praise on compatriot Jose Luis Ballester after his historic win at the US Amateur Championship, making him the first Spaniard to clinch the title.

The golfing world watched in awe as Ballester, also known as Josele, celebrated his 21st birthday by triumphing at Hazeltine in Minnesota, showcasing his skills against the globe's most promising young stars and seizing the coveted Havemeyer Trophy.

Arizona State senior Ballester edged out Iowa's Noah Kent in a nail-biting final, securing a one-up victory in their 18-hole showdown, achieving what Spanish legends like Garcia and Jon Rahm had not. Garcia, who reached the semi-finals of the US Am back in 1998 - the same year he won The Amateur Championship - took to social media to express his pride, posting: "Incredible win by Josele, couldn't be more proud."

• Rory McIlroy leaning on history books to bounce back from horror FedEx Cup start

• Rory McIlroy sinks to new low as PGA Tour season falling apart after St. Jude Championship

Rahm, another star from the LIV Golf series, also celebrated Ballester's groundbreaking victory, cheering on Instagram with a simple yet powerful "Vamos," acknowledging the significance of his countryman's achievement. Ballester and Garcia, 44, share a close bond, with the former world No. 2's advice proving invaluable throughout the week at Hazeltine.

The duo exchanged text messages throughout the tournament before Garcia made a phone call to Ballester on Saturday evening as he prepared for the final.

“The most important one was to continue to be myself,” Ballester told Golfweek of the advice Garcia offered. “That was key for today. And the other one was how to deal with the crowd, right? He’s been in that position multiple times, especially on this course, in the Ryder Cup 2016 playing against Phil (Mickelson), one of the best Ryder Cup matches ever. So he told me just stay patient in your game, and the best way to demonstrate to the other fans, it’s with your game.”

Ballester continued: "Super thankful to have the opportunity to live this moment. We have many great Spaniards, many great legends, and being able to add my name to that history, it’s pretty sweet.”

Ballester became the fourth Arizona State player to lift the coveted Havemeyer Trophy, following in the footsteps of six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair and Jeff Quinney. The programme's coach, Matt Thurmond, was over the moon for his pupil.

He said: "The opportunities that are going to open up for him are amazing. But the best part is, no matter what, he’s going to be an 80-year-old man on the southern coast of Spain, and they’re still going to know him as the U.S. Amateur champion."

Following his triumph, Ballester has secured invitations to the Masters, U.S. Open and The Open Championship in 2025.

Related

Sergio Garcia makes feelings clear on Jose Luis Ballester after breakthrough win

Fired-up Barack and Michelle Obama tear into Donald Trump as they endorse Kamala Harris at Democratic convention

Geraldine Mullan pays tribute to late husband and children on fourth anniversary

Ivan Toney to Man Utd and Mikel Merino at Arsenal: 10 mega-transfers that can still happen

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 tested and compared to the 7 Ultra that costs twice as much

York day 1 full race card and tips - list of runners on Wednesday as Ebor meeting kicks off

Longest running Dublin strategic housing development case refused permission

Campaign opposing large wind farm at Sceirde Rocks in Connemara being scaled up

Hundreds of parents could face rise in creche fees if chains pull out of core funding

Fee-paying schools lose their sheen as proportion of students in private education declines

'Entire Jewish community' supports rabbi accused of performing illegal circumcision in Dublin, court hears

Prisoner, 34, found dead in cell after consuming sleeping pills and homemade 'hooch'