LIV Golf<\/a> confirmed the franchise\u2019s transformation into OKGC on Tuesday, marking the first time a team has been directly aligned with a U.S. home market. The move signals a significant evolution in the league\u2019s long-term structure, with Oklahoma now serving as the team\u2019s official base.<\/p>\n At the centre of the rebrand is four-time LIV winner Gooch, a proud Oklahoma native, who has played a leading role in shaping the team\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is incredibly meaningful to me,\u201d said OKGC captain Gooch<\/a>. \u201cOklahoma is where I grew up and where I learned how to compete. To represent this state around the world is something I\u2019m really proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n The newly branded OKGC will debut at LIV Golf Virginia from 7\u201310 May, featuring a lineup of Gooch, Graeme McDowell, Jason Kokrak and Harold Varner III.<\/p>\n The team\u2019s new identity includes a bison-led logo symbolising strength and resilience, alongside the number 46 \u2014 a nod to Oklahoma\u2019s admission as the 46th U.S. state in 1907.<\/p>\n Gooch\u2019s appointment as team captain earlier this year followed the departure of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka<\/a>, who left LIV Golf at the end of 2025 to return to the PGA Tour.<\/p>\n OKGC is the first US-based franchise<\/p>\n While the rebrand represents a positive step for the franchise, it comes against the backdrop of mounting reports claiming the PIF is set to end its investment<\/a> in LIV Golf after 2026.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Initial claims last week surfaced via golf journalist Ryan French, before gaining rapid traction through outlets including the Financial Times, The Telegraph and Fox News.\u00a0<\/p>\n Reports have suggested LIV Golf will need to secure new financial backing to continue beyond its current funding cycle in 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Saudi PIF has invested an estimated $5 billion into the league since its launch in 2022, underwriting blockbuster player signings such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, as well as funding regular $20 million prize purses.<\/p>\n Despite the uncertainty, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has maintained that operations remain \u201cfull throttle\u201d<\/a>, while acknowledging the need to secure long-term sustainability beyond the current season.<\/p>\n O’Neil has provided insight into LIV’s future<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Several high-profile players have since played down speculation that LIV is in any danger.\u00a0<\/p>\n European Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have both voiced confidence in the league’s future<\/a>, as well as DeChambeau sticking around past this season, while the league’s latest winner Rahm says he has been reassured there is no cause for concern<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"OKGC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/copy-of-copy-of-golfmagic-template-1-49.png\")
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