Smash GC has confirmed its new lineup for the 2026 LIV Golf season, with Harold Varner III joining the team as the replacement for Brooks Koepka.
Varner arrives after spending the 2025 season with 4Aces GC where he finished 22nd in the individual standings. He recorded four top 10 finishes across the year and remained a steady presence in the field. His addition gives Smash GC a proven LIV winner having claimed his first individual title at LIV Golf DC in 2023.
Talor Gooch, who has taken over as Smash GC’s new captain said Varner’s signing was an important move for the team.
“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026. He’s proven he can compete at the highest level, and as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward.
We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”
Varner also shared his excitement about joining Smash GC.
“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “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.”
With Varner now on board Smash GC’s 2026 roster will feature Gooch, Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell and Varner. The team will look to build on its fourth-place finish in the 2025 team standings.
Smash GC names Talor Gooch as new captain
Talor Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain in December 2025. He takes over the role following Koepka’s exit and will guide the team into the new season.
Gooch has been one of LIV Golf’s most consistent performers since joining the league. He won three individual titles in 2023 and claimed the season-long individual championship that year establishing himself as one of the tour’s top players.
Speaking about the new role Gooch said he is ready for the responsibility.
“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.”
Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell will remain part of Smash GC’s core. Kokrak has delivered several key performances across past seasons while McDowell brought stability and experience to the lineup in 2025.