Overview
- Gooch publicly accepted the 2026 captaincy, calling the role an honor and a new leadership challenge.
- Reporting indicates he has agreed to a three-year extension with LIV as the league firms up 2026 plans.
- Brooks Koepka’s exit leaves his quarter-share in Smash GC unaccounted for, with no public team valuations to guide a transfer.
- Smash GC now has one roster vacancy alongside Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell after finishing fourth in 2025 and earning a $4 million team bonus.
- With weekly prize money reportedly rising to $30 million plus $5 million for teams in 2026, ownership clarity and captain deals—such as Sergio Garcia’s extension and Bryson DeChambeau’s ongoing talks—carry added importance.