Following Brooks Koepka’s exit from LIV Golf, the new captain Talor Gooch has taken the reins of Smash GC. After securing a 36-hole lead for Smash GC in Riyadh, Gooch said he couldn’t ask for a better start.
The LIV Golf Riyadh event took place from Thursday, February 4, with Smash GC featuring a fresh captain and two new members. While Gooch is leading the team this year, he is supported by Jason Kokrak, Harold Varner III and Charles Howell III in the squad.
The Smash GC fired a 10-under in the first round and then shot 20-under on Friday to take the 36-hole lead. During the post-round interview, Brooks Koepka’s successor reflected on Smash GC’s great start.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year through the first two rounds,” Gooch said. “We’ve still got a lot of golf left, so we’ve got to go and continue to play great. But like I said, couldn’t have predicted or hoped for a better start. It’s a great start, and hopefully we can continue going and just set the tone for a great year after this first week.
Gooch himself is in a great position after firing a second 67 to aggregate at 10-under. Following the second day’s action, he shares the 36-hole joint lead alongside Thomas Detry and Peter Uihlein and is two rounds away from his fifth LIV win.
Earlier on Day 1, Gooch said he was still learning a thing or two about leading the team. Speaking of his team, he said they were getting along well and had a great relationship with each other.
“They know me well. They know how I go about my business. I know how they go about theirs. So the best thing I can do for them right now is try to lead them on the golf course and play the best golf that I can. I’m looking forward to kind of putting my stamp on this team as the year unfolds, but leading on the golf course is the best thing I can do, and that’s what I intend to do,” he added.
How did Smash GC perform at the LIV Golf under Brooks Koepka’s captaincy?
Brooks Koepka captained Smash GC for four seasons and helped them win three team titles. However, he could never lead the team to a season-ending Team Championship.
Last season, Smash GC made three podium finishes but failed to claim a win. Their best result came in Korea, where the team finished runner-up.
Here’s a look at Smash GC’s results in 2025:
- Riyadh: 10
- Adelaide: 13
- Hong Kong: 12
- Singapore: 8
- Miami: T9
- Mexico: 6
- Korea: 2
- Virginia: 3
- Dallas: 13
- Andalucia: T3
- Universal: 9
- Chicago: T8
- Indianapolis: 10