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LIV Golf announced the official name change from Smash GC to OKGC, short for Oklahoma Golf Club. The move brings the team into the U.S. market for the first time as a LIV Golf franchise and will officially debut at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia from May 7-10.
OKGC will be led by 2023 LIV Individual Golf Champion Talor Gooch, a native of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Alongside Gooch on OKGC, team members include Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell and Harold Varner III. The rebrand pays homage to Gooch’s hometown roots and will allow the franchise to expand its ties to the U.S. market and strengthen its global and regional partnerships.
Gooch is also an alumnus of Oklahoma State University, a premier Division I collegiate golf program. The connection between OKGC and the university will create a natural pipeline for player recruitment and fan engagement through high-profile programs like Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to me. Oklahoma is where I grew up and learned to compete,” Gooch said. “Now representing this state through OKGC and bringing that identity with us around the world is something I’m truly proud of. We’re building a team that people can connect with, a team that reflects Oklahoma pride, resilience and spirit everywhere we go.”
This piece is in partnership with LIVGolf.
