LIV Golf team Smash GC is rebranding to OKGC, with Oklahoma resident Talor Gooch as captain. This marks the first time a LIV Golf team is “directly aligned” with a U.S. market. Here’s what Head of Team Business Operations, Katie O’Reilly, had to say about the rebrand.

Originally captained by Sihwan Kim and later by five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, Smash GC was a formidable team, securing wins at Las Vegas and Greenbrier in 2024.

“We’ve always believed in the power of team identity… we’re now seeing stronger, more authentic connections across markets like Australia, the UK, South Africa and Korea… OKGC represents the next step in bringing that approach to the United States… Oklahoma gives us a strong foundation… and with Talor Gooch leading, there is an authentic connection to the market,” said O’Reilly.

This move accelerates LIV Golf’s strategy to connect teams with home markets. The league aims to create “stronger identities and deeper relationships with fans, partners and communities.”

OKGC is set to make its debut at the May 7–10 LIV Golf Virginia event at Trump National Golf Club in Washington. 2010 U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell will join captain Gooch, alongside Jason Kokrak and Harold Varner III.

This is not the first rebrand in LIV Golf this year. Stinger GC became Southern Guards GC, and Iron Heads GC transformed into Korean Golf Club. Majesticks GC also shifted toward a more British-centric identity.

The rebrand also opens new commercial opportunities, with LIV Golf confirming that the team will launch with founding partners NOBULL and EdgeConnex.

Gooch's leadership reflects the team's new identity and his own competitive history.

Captain And Legacy

Oklahoma’s Talor Gooch is one of the most successful players on the LIV Golf roster. Gooch has won four individual titles on LIV Golf, ranking him fourth in the all-time victory count.

“This is incredibly meaningful to me. Oklahoma is where I grew up and where I learned how to compete,” said Gooch.

He said representing Oklahoma through OKGC on a global stage matters to him, with the team built around the state’s identity and mindset.

The number 46 in the team’s logo reflects Oklahoma’s entry as the 46th U.S. state on November 16, 1907. The bison symbolizes America’s “grit, resilience and determination.”

Oklahoma’s strong sporting base and established college golf scene make it a logical fit for LIV Golf’s first U.S.-aligned team.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav