Talor Gooch Named New Captain of LIV Golf Team for 2026 Season

Talor Gooch, aged 34, is set to assume the role of team captain for LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 season, commencing February 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Gooch, who previously teamed with Brooks Koepka in Smash GC, acknowledged the challenge of filling Koepka's shoes after the latter's return to the PGA Tour.

"Brooks is one of the best players and major champions in the last decade, so it is going to be tough to fill that type of player's shoes," Gooch stated.

Alongside Gooch, teammates Graeme McDowell and Jason Kokrak will continue their involvement, with the trio eager to build on years of collaboration. "We are excited to get going and build something that we have been talking about over the last few years, me, Kokrak, and GMac," Gooch said. "We are going to have to step up. The three of us are going to have to make more birdies. I have said it a lot that my golden rule in golf is the rule of 67. The goal is shoot 67s and shoot as many 67s as you can and everything takes care of itself."

There is speculation that Harold Varner III could join the team from 4Aces to fill the roster vacancy, although Gooch declined to confirm any movements, commenting only, "We have someone in mind."

Gooch, who secured three individual LIV Golf titles in 2023 and an additional victory in Andalucia, Spain last year, plans to dedicate the coming weeks to adapting to his leadership responsibilities.

"I'll be meeting with LIV to discuss details like the budget and reviewing the overall system, but more importantly, getting more time with GMac and Kokrak to align on our expectations and goals," he explained. "Fortunately, in the last couple of years, the three of us have gotten pretty tight. … Man it's fun, it's exciting and we're ready to get going."

As Gooch prepares to lead, the LIV Golf team looks poised for a competitive and strategic 2026 season under his captaincy.