LIV Golf Open Zone Predictions: Martin Kaymer

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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Bucket Hat Bounce Back

Cleeks Golf Club captain, Martin Kaymer, secured his best LIV Golf League finish in 2025. Over his first four seasons, Marty never landed inside the 40th-ranked position. Perhaps it was the team rebrand, his first healthy season, or maybe the bucket hat look?

Kaymer started slow, but played well on US soil in the summer, logging back-to-back T8 and T18 at Virginia and Dallas. He continued that strong play for LIV Golf UK with a T11. That summer stretch seemed to rejuvenate the Major Champion.

Reliance on the Putter

Season-long numbers point to his 37th-place finish as an overachievement. Cap was 33rd or worse in every statistical category bar Putting Average, where he finished tied for 18th. His lack of length off the tee and poor touch around the greens are reasons for concern heading into his 40s.

Those failing skills resulted in six finishes of 40th or worse. While Kaymer did log two Top-10s, his best results came mainly on shorter tracks, which won't be something he can rely on moving forward.

Time for Cleeks to Win

It's hard to win in this league for individuals AND teams. The Cleeks are bottom-feeders with one open roster spot, an inconsistent younger star in Adrian Meronk, an ageless wonder in Richard Bland, and a captain who is fighting to prolong his competitive career. They need to NAIL the 2025-26 offseason.

Marty will return to head the squad, but his decision for spot four will be scrutinized after 2025's disaster in Frederik Kjeterup (0 points). Rumors attach the team to high-profile DP World Tour members. They need that level of help if they want to gain credibility in this league.

Quotes, data, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf Media