DJ loses star man from dynasty amid LIV Golf shake-up

Poor old Talor Gooch. In many ways, the misunderstood American had been the unsung hero of LIV Golf’s inaugural season. The 30-year-old played in all eight events, went to court over his FedEx Cup Playoff exclusion, and had everyone in hysterics after making the boldest Ryder Cup claim we’ve ever heard.

Heck, he even had rival pros at the BMW PGA Championship thanking him for his service.

But above all, Gooch played a pivotal role alongside Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed in seeing their 4 Aces GC side dominate competition, winning four consecutive events in 2022 and being crowned champions of the LIV Golf Team Championship.

And yet, despite his 4 Aces GC heroics throughout 2022, LIV Golf have reportedly traded Gooch 48 hours after Miami as Greg Norman shakes up his roster for 2023.

That’s right, as advertised, free agency is officially coming to LIV with several trades expected to take place over the coming months.

As reported by ESPN, and in an unforgivable move, Gooch – and not Pat Perez – is the first to move on, being axed by his beloved 4 Aces GC to be traded to none other than Niblicks GC. Talk about a fall from grace.

Per the report, he will be replaced by Peter Uihlein, who finished third in the individual standings last season. Gooch will then move on to Bubba Watson’s Niblicks GC – who finished dead last in the team standings. Ouch.

Well, you can’t have it all Talor, but at least you have $10.3 million worth of winnings to wipe away the justifiable tears.

• RELATED: Talor Gooch explains confusion over PGA Tour suspension
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What do you think of the LIV Golf trade system? Will it help add something new to the Saudi Arabia funded series? Or is it destined to fail as the LIV Golf League enters a cricual 2023? Let us know on Twitter.