LIV Golf 2026 Season Preview: Smash GC

Smash GC enters 2026 with a new captain and new identity. 

2026 ROSTER 

Talor Gooch (captain), 34, United States. LIV Golf starts (46); Best result (1st) 
Jason Kokrak, 40, United States. LIV Golf starts (43); Best result (3rd) 
Graeme McDowell, 46, Northern Ireland. LIV Golf starts (45); Best result (T2) 
Harold Varner III, 35, United States. LIV Golf starts (43); Best result (1st)

OFFSEASON NEWS 

Smash GC has a new captain this year in Talor Gooch. The four-time LIV Golf winner has been one of the most successful players in the league and is more than ready to take on the challenge of being a team captain. Harold Varner III, who played for 4Aces GC last season, will be the fourth member of Smash, taking the place of Brooks Koepka. 

2026 OBJECTIVES 

• Finish in the top half of the regular season standings. 

• Gooch to win the Individual Championship. 

• Smash to earn first team victory since 2024.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS 

Talor Gooch: Gooch has been one of the best performers on LIV Golf since the league’s inception in 2022. His four individual wins are the third most all-time, and he’s worked hard to earn the title of team captain for Smash. Gooch rediscovered his top form halfway through 2025 and should pick up where he left off going into the 2026 season.

Jason Kokrak: Kokrak had a down year in 2025, finishing 41st in the standings. The 40-year-old has been a mainstay for Smash, and the team will need to rely on the veteran if they’re to be more competitive next season.

Graeme McDowell: McDowell is entering the twilight of his career but showed last season in Virginia that he can get into contention when his putter gets hot. Smash will need more from the Northern Irishman in 2026 to help offset the loss of Koepka.

Harold Varner III: Varner III was a perfect addition for Smash, who now reunites with his former teammate (with RangeGoats GC) and close friend in Gooch. Varner III is a great ball-striker who ranked in the top 13 in both Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and Strokes Gained: Approach last season. A hot putting season would go a long way in helping his new team earn more than two podium finishes next season. 

WHAT THE STATS SUGGEST 

Smash was accurate off the tee (fifth) but lacked in driving distance (ninth). The addition of Varner III should help the team improve their driving as well as their approach play. 

WHERE CAN THEY IMPROVE? 

Smash ranked 10th in the league in birdies and will need to putt better as a team if they are to score more efficiently in 2026. While Varner III brings a supreme ball-striker to the team, he has been an unreliable putter throughout much of his career. 

KEY QUOTES 

Talor Gooch on becoming captain of Smash GC: “Looking ahead, I am incredibly honored and excited to officially take on the Captaincy role for the 2026 season. I'm excited and ready to embrace this new leadership and career challenge. I'm eager to build on the competitive standard Brooks established and work with our players to lead this team into this next successful chapter."

Talor Gooch on what it means to be captain: “I'm more excited about the opportunity to build what this team is. That has nothing to do with just Talor Gooch the individual. I think most people in sports, especially like me who grew up playing team sports, like being a part of something bigger than yourself."

Harold Varner III on joining Smash GC: “Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge. I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.” 

BOTTOM LINE 

Smash GC will benefit from a new captain who’s fully bought into the team aspect of LIV Golf. Gooch can finish in the top 5 of the standings but the success of Smash will be determined by how well Kokrak, McDowell and Varner III perform. 

THREE BOLD PREDICTIONS 

• Talor Gooch will finish top 5 in the standings. 

• McDowell will earn a spot in the Open Championship via local qualifying.  

• Varner III will finish in the Lock Zone.