Carlos Ortiz, David Puig swap LIV Golf teams

LIV Golf isn't calling it a trade, but two of its members have swapped teams ahead of the 2024 season.

Carlos Ortiz of Mexico is heading from Torque GC to Fireballs GC, while David Puig of Spain is leaving Fireballs for Torque, it was announced Tuesday.

Ortiz and Puig were both considered free agents within the LIV Golf League, so they were free to sign with any team.

Ortiz, 32, rejected a contract extension offer from Sergio Garcia's Fireballs in order to become a free agent. He's linked up with fellow Mexican Joaquin Niemann, the captain of Torque.

Puig, meanwhile, will team up with countryman Garcia on Fireballs. Puig, who joined LIV when he turned professional in 2022, turns 22 Thursday.

He was a free agent after ending the season in the LIV Golf standings' "Open Zone" with his 31st-place finish.

Ortiz finished 15th last season.