LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Jason Kokrak

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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Two Top 10s

Jason Kokrak finished inside the points in five events during the 2025 LIV Golf League season. He cracked the Top twice, showing where the 40-year-old's peak stands. Singapore and Andalucia proved nice fits for the veteran's game. But can Smash afford to keep this roster as is?

Putter Carried Kokrak

Jason is mostly a middle-of-the-pack player off the tee (26th in Driving Distance), accuracy (27th in Fairway %), and iron play (34th in Greens In Regulation %). Those attributes make him a fine fourth roster spot golfer on a good team, which Smash GC has yet to prove they are. But his strength is on the putting surface, finishing T18 in putting average.

Kokrak has always been a strong putter. However, in a league with many players outperforming him in other aspects, the upside is lacking. When the putter doesn't show, JK isn't competing, as witnessed by five finishes of 29th or worse in 2025. He, and Smash need more.

Smash Need A Change

We all know that Brooks' commitment to the league receives daily questions, fairly or not. The team failed to win an event in 2025, with 10th or worse finishes in five events. Where do they make a change? Brooks and Gmac share a leadership role, safely keeping both for 2026, and Gooch was their top finisher (Lock Zone) this season, leaving only Kokrak's spot potentially up for grabs.

It will be a tough call for the boys in blue whether to keep Jason around for another season. I suspect, barring a major upgrade signing, that he will be on the squad. The team will hope for improved results from Koepka and McDowell, while hoping Kokrak pitches in just enough to snag a few more podiums and perhaps a win next year.

Data, quotes, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf Media