Brooks Koepka shook the golfing world by leaving LIV Golf for the PGA Tour, but now his replacement has been confirmed.
He vacated his role as Smash GC’s captain, and Talor Gooch stepped into his place. And Gooch just made his first signing, as Harold Varner III replaces the five-time major winner.
Varner impressed last season on LIV, and convincingly beat an out-of-form Koepka in the individual standings last season. He finished 22nd, comfortably in the Lock Zone after securing four top 10s on the year.
The 34-year-old left Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team to join Smash and fill Koepka’s shoes. He took to social media to explain his decision in detail.
Harold Varner III explains decision to join Smash GC
Varner joined Smash as a free agent, in an offseason of change for both Smash and 4Aces. He said that 4Aces’ decision to partner with Under Armour played a big role in the move.
He posted the following statement to his social media accounts: “I am joining Smash GC for the 2026 season.
“After completing my contract with the 4Aces, I took time to reflect on where I am and what is best for my future in the game. I want to be clear that I was not looking to leave the 4Aces.
“Free agency gave me the opportunity to explore new teams and make a thoughtful decision about what comes next.
“With Brooks moving on and Talor stepping into the captain role, I felt confident this was the right move for me. I believe this decision puts me in the best position for my future in golf, and I know that my best golf is still ahead.
“It creates an environment where I can continue to push myself, grow, and compete at a high level.
“Another important part of this decision was being able to remain loyal to the Jordan Brand. With the 4Aces obtaining a sponsorship with a new sportswear partner, it created a situation where I had to be intentional about staying aligned with what is best for me.
“Jordan has invested in me, believed in me, and made sure the shoes I play in support my performance and long-term health.
“We here.”
What Talor Gooch said about Harold Varner III joining Smash GC
Gooch and Varner are actually reuniting, as the pair played on the same LIV team in 2023. They were both a part of Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats GC.
That season, Gooch won three individual events on his way to the individual championship in an incredible season for the American. Meanwhile, Varner secured his first LIV victory at LIV Golf DC.
Gooch was then traded to Smash GC for Matthew Wolff, and Varner to 4Aces GC for Peter Uihlein, but they’re now back on the same side thanks to Gooch.
And speaking about the signing, Gooch said, “Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026.
“He’s proven he can compete at the highest level, and as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”
It’s a boost for Smash, who just lost their superstar captain, and we’re about to see how far chemistry can take a team in this format!
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