In the kitchens of LIV Golf, a player movement is being finalised involving two teams: Sergio García‘s Fireballs and Joaquín Niemann‘s Torque. It’s a two-in-one operation: a transfer and a signing. Although it’s not yet official, barring a radical turn in the conversations, a significant move in the Saudi league should be announced in the coming hours. Abraham Ancer is set to leave the Fireballs to join the Torque, and Luis Masaveu will take the place left by the Mexican golfer, thus returning to what was already his team in the first half of 2025.
As we say, the negotiations are not yet closed, but they are very advanced, and it would be a surprise if they did not come to fruition. Using the usual football negotiation jargon, we would say that only the final details are missing to seal both operations.
With this move, Torque would maintain its entirely Latin structure following the departure of Mito Pereira. The Chilean lost his LIV Golf category after a poor season, and a recent physical setback has prevented him from fighting for his return, either through the International Series or via the LIV School. His spot on the team will be filled by Ancer. Thus, the Torque will feature Chilean Niemann, Colombian Joaquín Muñoz, and Mexicans Carlos Ortiz and Abraham Ancer.
Ancer needs no introduction. He is one of the most solid golfers in LIV Golf. He joined the Arab league in the second tournament of 2022 and since then has finished in the 19th, 26th, 12th, and 12th positions in the individual ranking. Additionally, he achieved a victory in the Hong Kong tournament in 2024. This year, he has finished eight times among the top 24, those who earned points in each tournament.
Ancer’s departure from the Fireballs to the Torque has been consensual, although it obviously left a gap that needed to be filled. The choice by Sergio García‘s team has been Luis Masaveu. A familiar face returns, having been with the team in the first half of 2025, just before the arrival of Josele Ballester. Thus, the Fireballs become the first entirely Spanish team in the history of LIV Golf. It will be composed of Sergio García, David Puig, Josele Ballester, and Luis Masaveu.
Masaveu played with the Fireballs in the first eight tournaments of the season, from the inaugural event in Saudi Arabia to Virginia. He was signed to replace Eugenio Chacarra and was with the team until the arrival of Josele Ballester after playing the Masters and turning professional. In Virginia, he shared the team with Ballester himself, as he replaced David Puig, who was suffering from a back problem. After those eight tournaments, Masaveu played one more event, specifically the LIV Andalucía in Valderrama, this time as part of Bubba Watson’s team. In these nine LIV events, his best result was 14th in Singapore, followed by 20th in South Korea. He finished three times within the points.
Additionally, Masaveu has played twelve ranking-eligible tournaments this year: two on the Asian Tour, eight on the HotelPlanner Tour, and two on the DP World Tour. His best result was a third place in the Challenge de España.
Therefore, this double operation should be announced in the coming hours: Ancer to the Torque, and Masaveu to the Fireballs. Curiously, both are playing together this Saturday in the final round of the PIF Saudi International. It should be noted that for several weeks there was speculation that Ángel Ayora might join LIV Golf in one of these two teams. The decision of the Malagueño to stay in the DP World Tour may have also precipitated this move right now.
