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LIV Golf announced the official rebranding of Smash GC to OKGC, short for Oklahoma Golf Club. The move converts the team into a US market for the first time as a LIV Golf franchise, and will officially debut at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia from 7-10. May.
OKGC will be captained by 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion Talor Gooch, who is originally from Midwest City, Oklahoma. Along with Gooch at OKGC, team members include Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell and Harold Varner III. The rebranding celebrates Gooch’s hometown roots and will allow the franchise to expand its ties to the US market and boost its global and regional partnerships.
Gooch is also an alum of Oklahoma State University, one of the top collegiate golf programs in Division I. The connection between OKGC and the university will create a natural pipeline for player recruitment and fan engagement through top programs like Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma.
“This is incredibly meaningful to me. Oklahoma is where I grew up and where I learned to compete,” Gooch said. “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, a team that reflects the pride, resilience and mindset of Oklahoma everywhere we go.”
This piece is in collaboration with LIFE Golf.
