February 9th, 2026
By Australian Golf Digest
One of the rising stars of world golf just ticked off an Aussie course few have ever seen – and the footage will leave you itching to jump on a plane, or ferry, tomorrow.
Fireballs GC’s Josele Ballester kicked off his first-ever LIV Golf Adelaide week with a sneak peek at The Cliffs Kangaroo Island, a spectacular new public course set to open in late 2026.
Designed by acclaimed Australian architect Darius Oliver, the 18-hole layout sits dramatically on the edge of Kangaroo Island and is already being touted by experts as a must-play.
Ballester is among the first people in the world to sample the course, before heading to Adelaide for final preparations ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide, which tees off Thursday. Watch the footage here:
“It’s been incredible. I didn’t really know what to expect, honestly,” Ballester said. “I did see some pictures online and couldn’t wait to be one of the first to come here and test the course.
“It’s been cool to see so many kangaroos hopping around the greens. It’s amazing to play a such a great course and engage with nature.”
Set against the wild, untouched beauty of Kangaroo Island, The Cliffs KI is a public-access course that leans hard into its natural surroundings – expansive bushland, roaming wildlife and jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
Accessible by daily flights with Qantas or ferries with Sealink, Kangaroo Island is already a destination. Soon, it’ll be home to one of Australia’s most anticipated new golf courses.
For Ballester, it was the perfect calm-before-the-storm ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide.
“This part of South Australia has treated me so well, so hopefully that continues at LIV Golf Adelaide this week.”
In our eyes, Ballester has already won this week. Lucky bugger!
To learn more about The Cliffs KI, visit thecliffs.com.au.