HyFlyers GC’s Brendan Steele, currently 46th in the standings, has a strong likelihood of staying in the Open Zone, but he does not want to leave anything to chance. The veteran will certainly have his eye on earning points this week to ensure his place alongside his captain and good friend Phil Mickelson for the 2026 season.
Andy Ogletree, also of HyFlyers GC, who once clawed his way into LIV Golf through sheer grit, continues to fight for his roster spot. Last week in Chicago, Ogletree battled through a sore wrist but failed to earn any points, finishing T34. The former U.S. Amateur champion is now perched precariously at 50th in the standings with 4.93 points. He’ll need to overcome the odds once again to earn points this week.
After earning a few important points at LIV Golf UK by JCB, where he finished T21, Iron Heads GC’s Yubin Jang sank deeper into trouble at LIV Golf Chicago. His disappointing T39 finish failed to move the needle, leaving him at 53rd with 1.28 points. With only one top-24 finish this season, Jang is in desperation mode this week.
Frederik Kjettrup of Cleeks Golf Club has had an extremely difficult season, failing to secure a point all year. Kjetterup’s best performance was a T33 finish at the opening event in Riyadh. Since then, he has struggled to find his footing, sitting pointless at 55th in the individual standings. His Achilles’ heel has been his driving, hemorrhaging an average of -2.13 strokes Off The Tee per round, ranking dead last at 54th in the field. For Kjettrup, the time to figure out his driving inconsistencies has just about run out.
“I’m going to go out and play as if its another event,” Kjetterup said. “It doesn’t really help trying to put additional pressure on. I’m about a year out of college and playing against some of the best players in the world, multiple major champions. It’s already a lot of pressure.”
Anthony Kim, the wildcard whose comeback has tugged at heartstrings, showed flashes of brilliance at LIV Golf Chicago despite physical setbacks. After an opening 11-over 82 marred by neck spasms, Kim battled back with two incredible rounds of 68 and 66. Sunday’s 66 was one shot shy of Harold Varner III’s low round of the day. Although Kim’s performance didn’t get him points for the week, the LIV Golf wildcard displayed tremendous resilience.
“I didn’t do anything special and left three or four shots out there,” said Kim, who needs to pick up 6.5 or more points. “But I’m definitely feeling better about my game as long as I’m healthy. It will come together soon. Maybe this week.”