Ballard entered the PBA Tour in 1982 at the age of 19. He won two titles in 1987, including his first major at the U.S. Open Championship which earned him a then-record $100,000. In 1988, Ballard won his second major, the ABC Masters.
In 1982, at age 19, Ballard joined the PBA Tour. He achieved two victories in 1987, including his first major championship at the U.S. Open, which earned him a record $100,000. In 1988, he won his second major title, the ABC Masters.