McIlroy Expects LIV Departures as Bankruptcy Reshapes Golf Landscape

Rory McIlroy expects some players to leave LIV Golf as the breakaway circuit enters bankruptcy proceedings and prepares a smaller version of its competition. Speaking at the Irish Open, McIlroy said established tours would have decisions to make if leading golfers seek a route back. The Guardian reported his comments on Wednesday.

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LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States on Tuesday. According to The Guardian, the filing said about $45 million is owed to players. The report said existing player contracts have not yet been breached, citing sources familiar with the situation, but the current terms are considered unaffordable and are expected to be renegotiated or cancelled.

That prospect could make several prominent players available to other competitions. The Guardian reported that Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Cameron Smith are among those widely expected to explore a return to the PGA Tour when legally possible, potentially subject to sanctions. McIlroy said some LIV players could strengthen tournaments elsewhere and described their possible addition as positive for the DP World Tour.

McIlroy also pointed to the alliance between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, saying he believes it will grow stronger. He argued that incorporating more players into international events during a quieter period of the PGA Tour schedule could improve the competitiveness of those tournaments. His assessment was not a claim that any specific return agreement has been reached.

LIV has outlined a plan for 2027 featuring 10 events, each with a $10 million purse and a 75-player field, backed by investment firm BC Partners. The Guardian said questions remain about which players will participate. Bryson DeChambeau has been tipped to stay, while Lee Westwood told TalkSport that he plans to examine the proposed LIV 2.0 structure before deciding.

The filing forms part of an attempted reset after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund removed its funding, according to The Guardian. The report said the PIF plans to lend LIV close to $50 million for the bankruptcy process, while court timing and Saudi Arabia’s future role remain unclear. It also cited bankruptcy documents saying LIV has secured $300 million in sponsorship contracts covering 2027 through 2029.