Josele Ballester, a rising senior at Arizona State and a participant in the 2024 U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club, has been carrying a significant tribute on the course. The letters “CBA” on his head cover represent Celia Barquin Arozamena, a former Iowa State golfer tragically killed while playing golf alone at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, Iowa, at just 22 years old. Ballester, who had the opportunity to play with her and has ties to her family in Spain, is honoring her memory every time he tees it up.
Collin Richards, the man responsible for Barquin Arozamena’s death, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Despite the tragedy, Ballester is not alone in honoring her memory. Nacho Elvira dedicated his win at the 2021 Cazoo Open to her, and other players and college teams have also paid tribute to her legacy.
Ballester has been carrying the initials on his head cover since the tragic event occurred, showing his dedication to honoring Barquin Arozamena’s memory for the past five to six years. As he competes in the U.S. Amateur, he is not just playing for himself but also in honor of CBA, with the goal of becoming the first Spaniard to win the prestigious tournament.
The significance of Ballester’s tribute goes beyond just a personal connection to Barquin Arozamena. It serves as a reminder of the impact she had on the golf community and the loss that was felt when she was taken too soon. By carrying her initials with him on the course, Ballester keeps her memory alive and pays tribute to her talent and potential as a golfer.
The U.S. Amateur holds a special place in the hearts of golfers around the world, and for Ballester, winning the tournament would be a historic achievement as the first Spaniard to do so. As he prepares for the championship match, he carries the weight of CBA’s memory with him, using it as a source of motivation and inspiration to give his best performance on the course.
Playing golf is not just about hits and putts for Ballester; it’s a way to honor a friend and fellow golfer whose life was tragically cut short. As he competes in the U.S. Amateur and strives to make history, he does so with the memory of Celia Barquin Arozamena close to his heart, ensuring that her legacy continues to live on in the world of golf.
