Team Champions Sergio Garcia, David Puig, Abraham Ancer and Luis Masaveu of Fireballs GC. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
Defending champions Fireballs GC arrive confidently at Aramco LIV Golf Singapore as they aim to retain their title at the Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club.
Team captain Sergio Garcia, who leads the Spanish-speaking lineup that also features David Puig, Josele Ballester, and Luis Masaveu, said last year’s victory remains a special milestone for the team.
“Yeah, obviously, we were super happy. It was our third win in a row, so it was something that no team had done to that date. Very proud of that,” Garcia said. “But this year obviously is a new year, and we’re looking forward to defending our title and hopefully get going a little bit here and see if we can be successful in doing that.”
The Serapong course at Sentosa is known for its narrow fairways and strategic bunkering, making it a challenging test, particularly off the tee. Ballester, currently leading the Aramco Power Play driving distance rankings with an average of 317 yards, believes accuracy will be just as important as power.
“If I don’t hit it straight, it’s probably not going to be an advantage at all,” Ballester said. “Hopefully, I can hit it long, which is something I usually do, and straight. I think it’s a ball-striker’s course.”
Puig arrives in Singapore with solid early-season form after posting two top-10 finishes in the opening events of the LIV Golf season. He said maintaining consistency is crucial, especially with performances now contributing to Official World Golf Ranking points.
“Yeah, obviously trying to qualify for some majors and obviously want to do well here on LIV, as well,” Puig said. “It’s definitely really important to have that consistency, and hopefully I can keep playing well and making lots of birdies.”
Masaveu, who recorded his best result in Singapore with a T14 finish last year, believes the demanding layout rewards complete players.
“You have to hit it long, but at the same time, you have to hit it straight,” Masaveu said. “You have to be very good off the tee, which is my strength… It’s a course where you have to play very well in all parts of the game.”
Garcia also highlighted the importance of early momentum, acknowledging that the LIV Golf campaign is long term.
“Yeah, it’s important. It’s not obviously ultimate, but anytime you start well in your season, it’s always nice. It gives you confidence,” Garcia said. “But the season is six or seven months long, so it’s not ultimate that you have to start well. Sometimes that doesn’t happen, and you’ve just got to keep working hard and keep believing and wait for your moment to arrive.”
The Spaniard added that Sentosa’s demanding nature means consistency is crucial, rather than relying on specific holes.
“It is a good golf course. If you play well, you can score in it,” Garcia said. “Some of the par-5s are gettable, and there are some par-3s where you can make ground, but there are also tough par-4s. If you’re making pars there, you’re probably gaining a little bit. It’s the kind of golf course where you have to be consistent throughout the whole round.”
For Garcia, the team dynamic remains a key strength. The veteran said motivating his younger teammates is straightforward, given their energy and hunger to succeed.
“These guys are great… they’re young, they’re hungry, they work hard,” Garcia said. “We love kind of pushing each other and having little games here and there to keep us going. I’m very fortunate to have such an amazing team.”
With the demanding Sentosa layout rewarding ball-striking and patience, Fireballs GC hope the venue again sparks another strong LIV Golf performance.
