LIV Golf Golfer Gets Candid About His Team After Brooks Koepka’s Exit
BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the 1st green during the Round 1 at the BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 11/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Steve Flynn All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Steve Flynn Virgina Water Wenworth Club Surrey England Copyright: xStevexFlynnx *EDI*,
BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the 1st green during the Round 1 at the BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 11/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Steve Flynn All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Steve Flynn Virgina Water Wenworth Club Surrey England Copyright: xStevexFlynnx *EDI*,
Jason Kokrak played for Smash GC under captain Brooks Koepka from 2022 to 2025, before Talor Gooch took over the captaincy for the 2026 season.
During a press conference on Thursday at LIV Golf Riyadh, Jason Kokrak was asked about the atmosphere within Smash GC.
Kokrak said, “Yeah, I think it's great. I think all four of us get along. Talor has been a great captain so far and leads by example. Obviously, with HV3 on the team, it's a whole vibe in itself, but a wonderful guy. G-Mac is one of my closest friends. I think the four of us are going to have a lot of fun this year.”
Harold Varner III moved from Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC to fill the final spot on the Smash roster. He joined the team following a roster change, reuniting with captain Talor Gooch.
At the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh, Varner is tied for 21st place at five under par after rounds of 68 and 71.
Graeme McDowell, known as G-Mac, is a veteran member of Smash GC and competes alongside teammates Jason Kokrak and Harold Varner III.
At the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh, McDowell opened with a level-par 72 and is part of a Smash GC lineup that leads the team competition after two rounds.
While the performances of Graeme McDowell and Harold Varner III provide insight into Smash GC’s early momentum, attention also turns to captain Talor Gooch and Jason Kokrak and their contributions in the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh.
After Brooks Koepka’s exit, Talor Gooch takes the reins of Smash GC
Talor Gooch is serving as captain of Smash GC for the 2026 LIV Golf season, having taken on the role following the departure of Brooks Koepka.
As of February 6, Gooch is tied for the individual lead at ten under par after two rounds, recording consecutive rounds of five-under 67.
At the same time, Smash GC holds a three-shot advantage in the team standings at thirty under par.
Meanwhile, Jason Kokrak opened the tournament with a one-under 71, placing him in the middle of the leaderboard after the first round.
In the second round on February 5, Kokrak recorded a bogey-free eight-under 64.
Kokrak’s second-round score contributed to Smash GC taking a three-shot lead in the team competition. After two rounds, Smash GC sits at thirty under par.
How do you see Smash GC evolving after Brooks Koepka’s exit? Tell us in the comments, and do give us a follow.
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Joyita Das