LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Brooks Koepka

As the wait begins for LIV Golf 2026, we take a look back to 2025 and ahead to next season by putting into focus the 24 golfers who escaped relegation but sit in the Open Zone. And then predict whether their current team will offer a contract or if another option is more likely for 2026.

In LIV Golf, the Open Zone is the section of the season-long individual standings for players ranked 25th through 48th. Players in this zone can remain in the league for the following season, but their current team is not obligated to offer them a new contract if their existing deal has expired. This means players in the Open Zone risk becoming free agents and can be signed by other teams or potentially lose their spot in the league if they are not re-signed.

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Late Season Struggle

After securing points in four of the first seven LIV Golf League events, Brooks Koepka was blanked over the final six as he sputtered to the finish line. During that stretch, Koepka was forced to WD in Dallas due to an illness, and ended the season with two finishes outside of the Top 45 in the final three events.

Koepka's performances in the Majors left much to be desired for the five-time winner, missing the cut in three of the four. BK would likely call 2025 a big disappointment.

Iron Play To Blame

Smash GC's captain was fifth in Putting Average and 19th in Driving Distance, but 47th in Greens in Regulation %. For a player of Koepka's pedigree, this is unacceptable, and we fully expect a bounce-back to form in this area in 2026.

Will Brooks Sit Out 2026?

No. Now that we have that out of the way, as there is no indication that he will not honor his contract, there is a caveat. Throughout the year, rumors circulated that Brooks was dealing with an ailing knee. No official reports, but some suggested a surgery could be necessary. If you are a conspiracy theorist, you could have some fun with the idea that a surgery this winter could shelve BK in 2026, thus allowing him to miss the season, but not void the contract.

We are not believers in this, simply because Brooks is too competitive. That fire has taken him from mini tour to Major championships. Expect a focused, competitive Brooks to show the doubters that he still has the game to compete with the best in the world next season in the league.

Data, quotes, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf