LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Danny Lee

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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A Long Way From Tucson

Danny Lee finished 43rd in the LIV Golf League in 2025, but one of the league's most memorable events was his win in Tucson in 2023. He finished 29th that year and 38th in 2024. We are a long way from Tucson, at this point.

In 2025, Danny had one Top 10 back in April at Miami. Last season, he had two Top 10s (Adelaide and Andalucia), which helped extend his LIV Golf League tenure into 2025. However, the noncompetitive version of the New Zealander showed up far more often than the one who has a LIV win and Top 10s.

Skills Are Fading

For Lee, there isn't a part of his game that suggests a potential turnaround moving forward. He isn't long off the tee (t43 in Driving Distance), his iron play is meh (45th in Greens In Regulation %), and the flat stick is not a weapon (t38 in Putting Average).

At 35, it would take something spectacular to pull a 180-degree switch in 2026. Lee finished 40th or worse in seven of the final eight 2025 events. That Top 10 in Miami single-handedly saved him from relegation.

Does Iron Heads GC Make A Move?

As we mentioned in the Open Zone Prediction for Kevin Na, the Iron Heads must make significant changes in 2026 if they are to shed the cellar dweller tag they currently wear. Losing Yubin Jang after one season to the Drop Zone may turn out to be a blessing for Danny Lee. Can the franchise fill two roster spots in one offseason?

All things considered, moving on from Lee would be the brightest signal that Iron Heads GC is serious about changing its image as a bottom-tier team.

Data, quotes, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf Media