Brooks Koepka’s replacement on Smash GC named ahead of 2026 LIV Golf season

Harold Varner III has been confirmed as the latest addition to Smash GC as the LIV Golf team finalises its roster for the 2026 season following Brooks Koepka’s departure.

Koepka stunned the golf world at the end of 2025 when he left the LIV Golf League before being reinstated on the PGA Tour, where he is a nine-time winner and five-time major champion. 

After skippering Smash GC throughout his four seasons on LIV Golf, Koepka will make his PGA Tour return at next week’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

Smash GC undergoes reshuffle

Talor Gooch has been named the team’s new captain, while Varner III has now joined to complete the four-man lineup alongside Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

Varner III arrives from Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC, where he enjoyed a steady 2025 campaign that included four top-10 finishes. 

Johnson recently confirmed the signing of Thomas Detry, reshaping the 4Aces roster to include himself, Detry, Thomas Pieters and Patrick Reed.

Check out the full roster of LIV Golf players and teams for 2026

Smash GC formally announced Varner’s arrival on Wednesday, adding a proven LIV Golf winner to a lineup built around experience and competitive edge. 

Varner made his LIV debut in 2022 and claimed his first individual victory at LIV Golf DC in 2023, memorably holing out from a bunker mid-round to secure a one-shot win.

“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.”

Gooch will lead Smash GC into the new season after being officially appointed captain late last year. 

One of LIV Golf’s most consistent performers, he reunites with Varner after the pair enjoyed their most successful LIV campaigns together with RangeGoats GC in 2023. 

That season saw Gooch win three tournaments and the season-long Individual Championship, alongside Varner’s breakthrough victory in Washington DC.

“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Smash GC captain Gooch said. 

“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.”

Kokrak and McDowell round out Smash GC’s 2026 roster, with both bringing significant LIV Golf experience. 

McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, provided steady performances throughout 2025, while Kokrak has delivered key individual and team contributions since joining the league.