The 2026 LIV Golf season has kicked off with a bang, and one name is already making waves: Talor Gooch. As the newly appointed captain of Smash GC, Gooch isn’t just leading his team—he’s also tied for the individual lead at the ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh tournament. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Gooch’s dual role as player and captain truly elevate Smash GC to new heights, or will the pressure of leadership hinder his performance? Let’s dive in.
Through two rounds, Smash GC is not just starting fresh—they’re on fire. Gooch, in his debut as captain, sits at 10 under par after shooting consecutive 5-under 67s. Meanwhile, his team holds a commanding three-shot lead in the team competition, thanks largely to Jason Kokrak’s stunning bogey-free 8-under 64—the lowest score in the field so far. Is this the beginning of a dynasty, or just a fleeting moment of glory?
Gooch, who previously played under captain Brooks Koepka, isn’t getting ahead of himself. “We wanted to get off to a hot start this year, so we’ve done good through two rounds,” he said. “But we’re only halfway there, so a lot of golf left.” His humility is refreshing, but the question remains: can Smash GC sustain this momentum?
The team’s chemistry seems to be a key factor. Gooch, Kokrak, and Graeme McDowell have been together for two seasons, and the addition of Harold Varner III—Gooch’s close friend—has injected new energy. Varner’s 68 on Wednesday and McDowell’s 66 on Thursday were crucial in securing the team’s lead. Kokrak praised the vibe, saying, “I think all four of us get along. Talor has been a great captain so far. Leads by example.” But is camaraderie enough to win tournaments?
On the individual leaderboard, Gooch shares the top spot with Thomas Detry of 4Aces GC and Peter Uihlein of RangeGoats GC, both of whom shot 3-under 69s. Detry, making his LIV Golf debut, is relishing the dual challenge of individual and team play. “I like to make statements,” he said. “I was sort of taking care of my business, and suddenly I saw the leaderboard with the 4Aces popping up, and that sort of reminded me that I was also playing for the team.” Is Detry the dark horse to watch, or will experience prevail?
Uihlein, one of only eight players to start all 51 LIV Golf tournaments, is still chasing his first tournament title. Despite his RangeGoats sitting 11th on the team leaderboard, he’s focused on individual glory. “Winning individual—that’s what the goal is to win,” he said. “There’s some unbelievable players out here, and to say you’ve won and beat them definitely would be pretty special.” But with Gooch and Detry in top form, is Uihlein’s dream within reach?
And this is the part most people miss: Gooch’s success isn’t just about this tournament. With 13 LIV Golf trophies—tied with Jon Rahm for the most in history—he’s a proven winner. His “Rule of 67” philosophy (shooting 67 or better) has already paid off twice this week. But will it be enough for trophy No. 14? Or even No. 15 if Smash GC sweeps both titles?
As the tournament heads into the final rounds, the stakes are higher than ever. Torque GC, led by Sebastian Munoz, is hot on Smash’s heels, just three shots back. Munoz, who thrives under the lights in Riyadh, is tied for fourth at 9 under. Can Torque GC close the gap, or will Smash GC’s early dominance prove insurmountable?
One thing’s for sure: this tournament is far from over. With players like Gooch, Detry, and Uihlein in contention, and teams like Smash GC and Torque GC battling it out, the drama is only just beginning. But here’s the real question: Who will rise to the occasion, and who will crumble under pressure?
What do you think? Can Talor Gooch lead Smash GC to victory while also claiming the individual title? Or will an underdog like Thomas Detry or Peter Uihlein steal the show? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
