Smash GC rebrands to OKGC as LIV Golf launches first US-based franchise

LIV Golf has confirmed Smash GC has rebranded to OKGC (Oklahoma Golf Club), establishing Oklahoma as the team’s official home market and marking a historic first for the league.

The announcement means OKGC becomes the first LIV Golf franchise directly aligned with a U.S. market, signalling a major shift in the league’s long-term team model.

The newly rebranded side will make its debut under the OKGC identity at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia from 7-10 May. 

The move builds on earlier reports from Oklahoman Sports reporter Joe Mussatto and Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, who revealed a trademark filing tied to the change.

At the centre of the rebrand is team captain Talor Gooch, an Oklahoma native and the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion, whose deep-rooted connection to the state has driven the identity shift.

Gooch has won four individual titles on LIV Golf, ranking him tied 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, team captain of OKGC.

“To now represent this state through OKGC and bring that identity with us around the world is something I'm really proud of. We're building a team that people can connect with, one that reflects the pride, resilience, and mindset of Oklahoma everywhere we go.”

Gooch posted on social media: “For Oklahoma. Proud to bring another team to our state and represent 46.”

The number 46 features prominently in the new branding, referencing Oklahoma’s status as the 46th state admitted to the United States on 16 November 1907. The team’s logo is centred around a bison — described as “a true American symbol of grit, resilience, and determination” — alongside a star motif representing the American heartland.

LIV Golf says the rebrand represents a key step in its strategy to anchor teams to specific regions, strengthening connections with fans, commercial partners and local communities.

“This is an important step in the continued evolution of our team model, and a milestone moment as we establish our first team aligned with a U.S. market,” said Katie O'Reilly, EVP and Head of Team Business and Operations at LIV Golf.

“We’ve always believed in the power of team identity, and we're now seeing our teams develop stronger, more authentic connections across the globe. We’ve seen that momentum build in markets like Australia, the UK, South Africa and Korea, and OKGC represents the next step in bringing that approach to the United States. Oklahoma gives us an incredibly strong foundation having been a market we’ve had success in before (LIV Golf Tulsa 2023), and with Talor Gooch leading the team, there is an authentic connection to the market.”

OKGC continues with Gooch as captain alongside Graeme McDowell, Jason Kokrak and Harold Varner III.

The rebrand also opens new commercial opportunities, with LIV Golf confirming the team will launch with founding partners NOBULL and EdgeConnex. The league believes Oklahoma’s sporting culture, strong collegiate golf pipeline and growing economy make it an ideal base for its first U.S.-anchored franchise.

The OKGC identity will be rolled out across team kits, merchandise and fan engagement initiatives throughout the remainder of the 2026 season, with branding developed in partnership with creative agency Rare Design.

The change follows a series of rebrands across LIV Golf in 2026, including Stinger GC becoming Southern Guards GC and Iron Heads GC transitioning to Korean Golf Club, while Majesticks GC refreshed its identity with a more distinctly British theme.

The rebranding provides a welcome bit of positivity for LIV Golf amid speculation the league is danger of survival. 

Widespread reports have suggested over the past week that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf’s primary financial backer since its launch in 2022, is going to remove funding beyond the 2026 season.

The PIF is believed to have invested around $5 billion into the league to date, and any reduction in support would raise fresh questions over its long-term future — particularly with high-profile players such as Bryson DeChambeau approaching the end of their current contracts.

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are not convinced DeChambeau is going anywhere though. 

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addressed the early rumours on Monday.