News Summary
Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, has debuted a new golf ball brand, Underground Golf, at the LIV Golf Riyadh season opener in 2026. This significant equipment change comes as Garcia embarks on a new season and leads the Fireballs GC team. Underground Golf, co-founded by Mark Wahlberg and others, aims for premium quality and exclusivity, making it an innovative addition to the golf world. The tournament promises an exciting four-day competition held at night, showcasing the best of golf in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh
Sergio Garcia Unveils Exclusive New Golf Ball Brand at LIV Golf Riyadh Season Opener
Sergio Garcia, the accomplished 2017 Masters champion, is making a notable equipment change at the LIV Golf Riyadh, introducing a previously unseen golf ball brand known as Underground Golf. This significant shift for the veteran golfer is a key talking point as the 2026 LIV Golf season officially commences in the Saudi capital.
The LIV Golf Riyadh tournament, presented by ROSHN Group, is taking place from February 4 to 7, 2026, at the Riyadh Golf Club. Marking the inaugural event of the 2026 LIV Golf League season, the competition features four rounds played at night under lights, offering a distinctive experience for players and spectators alike.
A New Era for Garcia’s Equipment
Garcia’s decision to switch to Underground Golf follows his recent performance at the Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour, where he finished tied for fourth place using a TaylorMade TP5 golf ball. His adoption of the new ball signals a strategic move ahead of the new season, with Garcia expressing considerable excitement about joining “The Underground club.” This change is part of what has been described as a “radical overhaul” of his equipment setup for 2026, highlighting a period of significant adjustments for the Spanish star.
The Genesis of Underground Golf
Underground Golf is an emerging brand described as an exclusive membership club. It was co-founded by a notable trio: actor Mark Wahlberg, entrepreneur Garry Singer—who previously co-founded Clear Golf Balls—and retail executive Doug Meijer, known as the owner of the Meijer supermarket chain. The founders embarked on this venture with the ambitious goal of crafting the highest quality golf ball possible, employing stringent quality control measures to ensure consistent perfection in every ball produced.
Notably, Garcia was not merely an endorser but became the first professional golfer to commit to The Underground mission, deciding to be an integral part of this exclusive society after rigorously testing the ball. This suggests a deeper engagement than a typical sponsorship, underscoring his belief in the product’s performance and the brand’s unique ethos of exclusivity. The brand’s tagline, ‘Exclusivity thrives below the surface. For members only,’ reinforces its select nature.
Garcia’s Leadership and Team Dynamics
As the captain of the Fireballs GC team, Garcia brings over a quarter-century of professional experience to the 2026 LIV Golf season. His leadership is crucial for Fireballs GC, which is set to feature an all-Spanish lineup for the first time, including promising talents David Puig, Josele Ballester, and Luis Masaveu. Garcia holds an impressive record, including a victory at the 2017 Masters and a record 28.5 Ryder Cup points amassed over ten appearances.
His continued presence and motivational role within his team were evident in the previous season, where Fireballs GC achieved significant success, including three consecutive team victories in Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Singapore during the 2025 season. Garcia also secured an individual title in Hong Kong during the 2025 season, finishing ninth in the individual standings. His dedication to the sport remains strong, even after 26 years on tour, driven by the excitement of team competition and his role as a mentor to younger players.
Broader Trends in Golf Equipment
Garcia’s equipment change is part of a broader trend among professional golfers seeking marginal gains and optimal performance from their gear. In a parallel development, Ben Griffin is also set to debut a new Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball at the WM Phoenix Open, another example of players seeking advantages through equipment innovation. Such changes highlight the competitive landscape among golf equipment manufacturers and the willingness of top professionals to explore new technologies and brands to enhance their game.
The Underground Golf brand, manufactured in a reputable plant in Taiwan, emphasizes stricter protocols for quality control, aiming to produce a product that is consistently perfect—a meticulous approach often reserved for tour players. This focus on ultra-premium quality and exclusivity is designed to appeal to golfers seeking a distinct advantage and a unique product experience.
The 2026 LIV Golf season promises to be an exciting one, with top players like Garcia initiating significant changes to their equipment in pursuit of victory. The ongoing tournament in Riyadh sets the stage for what is expected to be a season filled with compelling competition and strategic adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What new golf ball brand is Sergio Garcia debuting at LIV Golf Riyadh?
- Sergio Garcia is debuting a previously unseen golf ball brand called Underground Golf.
- When and where is the LIV Golf Riyadh tournament taking place?
- The LIV Golf Riyadh tournament is happening from February 4 to 7, 2026, at the Riyadh Golf Club.
- Who are the founders of the Underground Golf brand?
- Underground Golf was co-founded by actor Mark Wahlberg, entrepreneur Garry Singer, and retail executive Doug Meijer.
- What was Sergio Garcia using before switching to Underground Golf?
- Before switching to Underground Golf, Sergio Garcia was using a TaylorMade TP5 golf ball.
- What is unique about the LIV Golf Riyadh event for the 2026 season?
- The LIV Golf Riyadh event is the season opener for the 2026 LIV Golf season and features all four rounds played at night.
- What is Sergio Garcia’s role in the Fireballs GC team?
- Sergio Garcia is the captain of the Fireballs GC team.
Key Features of Underground Golf Ball
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Underground Golf |
| Founders | Mark Wahlberg, Garry Singer, Doug Meijer |
| Nature of Brand | Exclusive membership club |
| Quality Control | Stricter protocols to ensure every ball is perfect |
| Player Adoption | Sergio Garcia is the first professional golfer to commit to the brand |
| Manufacturing Location | Reputable plant in Taiwan |
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