LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Graeme McDowell

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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Off the Course Graeme

While Smash GC has a captain in Brooks Koepka, much of the team's "General Manager" work was performed by Graeme McDowell, making him an invaluable member. The brand grew in 2025 via some community appearances and its scholarship program for junior golfers. Great work by Graeme and crew!

GMac also has chops! He was sensational on the R&A's "World Feed" of the 153rd Open Championship as a color analyst. The reviews were stellar, and McDowell certainly has an on-screen career after he hangs up the bag.

On the Course GMac

There were moments in 2025 when the 45-year-old turned back the clock. None more so than in Virgina, where he battled through the rain to finish T2. But the weather never bothered anyone from Northern Ireland.

Smash's business mastermind secured points in six events, which totaled enough to finish 34th in the league. He hit 60.36% of fairways, good for 18th amongst his peers, and when he missed, he scrambled well. Graeme was 26th in Scrambling % with a 59.76 rate of up and downs.

Back in 2026

No doubt McDowell will sport the blue in 2026, and perhaps we will see a few more flashes of the former US Open championship form. He's easy to root for, and in a recent interview believes 72 holes fits his tireless work ethic. He's outside the Top 2000 in the OWGR, so he will have to qualify for Majors via events, of which his best shot could be Royal Birkdale. One last appearance is something every golf fan would support.

Photos, data, and quotes courtesy of LIV Golf Media