LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Ian Poulter

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 a contract will be offered by their current team 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.

Ian Poulter: The Narrow Escape From Relegation

The Postman delivered on the final day of his 2025 season, dramatically surviving relegation from the LIV Golf League. Poulter pulled out four birdies over his final nine holes of the season in Indianapolis to finish one stroke ahead of teammate Henrik Stenson, thus sending his friend to relegation. Perhaps the most bittersweet moment of his long, storied career.

Henrik put it all into perspective, in his typical level-headed way, "Over the course of a career, you're going to have good years, you're going to have bad years. It's part of it, it's part of professional sports. You're going to have disappointment." And his disappointment was the direct result of Poults' fantastic finish.

Two Bright Spots In A Dark Season

As a 17-time pro golf winner, Poulter has made a living on the leaderboards across the globe, but 2025 was a mighty struggle to contend. In 13 events, Ian managed just two Top 30 finishes, securing just 6.50 points (0.38 more than his friend Stenson).

His best showing was in Korea in May, where he managed a T13 (-6) at the Jack Nicklaus Club in Incheon, thanks to a fabulous final round 68 that featured an eagle on the par-5, third hole. That Sunday finish came on the back of a Saturday struggle featuring three bogeys, leading to a 73. But the 13th-place tie would earn Poulter 69% of his total season-long points (4.50).

It wouldn't be until the final day of the regular season in Indianapolis that his point total would rise barely enough to avoid relegation from the league.

Poulter finished 51st in driving distance and greens in regulation making his 49th place finish in birdies unsurprising.

Will Majesticks Re-Sign Poulter?

Despite the struggles, Ian Poulter is a lock to return to Majesticks GC in 2026. He is the face of the franchise and one of the most popular players in the league amongst fans. At 50 years old on opening day, he will have to improve drastically to avoid the Drop Zone once again.

Data and quotes courtesy LIV Golf media