LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Jinichiro Kozuma

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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Worth The Wait

Jinichiro Kozuma missed the first five events of the 2025 LIV Golf season due to a lower back injury. His absence was indefinite at one point, and LIV Golf held a playoff for reserve players to fill his spot. He returned to play in late April 2025 and made an immediate impact, with highlights including a tie for second place in Dallas.

That T2 in Dallas was the second-best finish ever by an Iron Head player in LIV Golf history, behind Danny Lee's thrilling playoff victory at Tucson in 2023. Despite the uncertainty during the injury, Kozuma showed that Kevin Na's patience was the right decision.

Hot Streak

During his scorching return, Jini reeled off five straight finishes in the points. By the conclusion of LIV Andalucia, he was ranked 1st in strokes gained approach, 1st in strokes gained around the green, 2nd in strokes gained scrambling, and 5th in overall strokes gained. He was BLAZING!

“I’m probably playing the best golf of my life,” he said just before the event in Spain got underway.

Although he cooled off down the stretch, Kozuma can take confidence with him heading into 2026 that he can play with the best in the world, and the Iron Heads roster desperately needs him to be that player.

Health Is Key

Jinichiro will return in 2026, but his health will be the biggest key to success. His injury flared up again toward the end of the year, so fans will have to monitor that concern until he proves he can play the entire schedule. However, Kozuma (when healthy) has the tools to compete at the top of leaderboards, which is all you can ask of the former JGT star.

Quotes, data, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf