Rory McIlroy anticipates a talent drain from LIV Golf following the circuit's decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States. This move potentially frees players bound by long-term contracts to seek opportunities elsewhere.
McIlroy, speaking at the Irish Open, suggested that LIV Golf 2.0, operating without its previous financial backing, appears less attractive than its initial offering. "I'm not in their shoes but LIV at the start looked a lot more attractive than what LIV 2.0 might be from a financial standpoint," McIlroy stated. "I would predict that you'll see some guys leave, as they are free to now as, I guess, contracts have been breached by them filing for bankruptcy."
He believes this situation could benefit other golf tours, such as the DP World Tour, by allowing stronger players to return and enhance competition. "I think that means other tours have decisions to make. And obviously there's a lot of players on LIV that can strengthen golf tournaments and make them more competitive. So I would see that as a good thing for the DP World Tour," McIlroy added.
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are reportedly considering leaving LIV Golf, with the DP World Tour being a likely destination due to their retained membership. Under current PGA Tour regulations, players would need to wait 12 months from their last LIV start to rejoin the PGA Tour in the U.S.
Bryson DeChambeau has expressed a commitment to remain with LIV. The circuit, in the absence of Saudi funding, is reportedly offering equity in the league to players who stay for a reduced schedule. If LIV survives into a 2027 season, an agreement in principle with private equity group BC Partners is in place, though the tour would feature 10 events with significantly reduced prize purses, dropping from $30 million to between $7 million and $10 million.
Documentation from LIV's Chapter 11 filing in New Jersey reveals substantial debts to vendors and unsecured creditors, including players. Jon Rahm is listed as being owed $7.5 million, and Bryson DeChambeau $5.8 million, for the third quarter of 2026 alone. Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Adrian Meronk each have claims exceeding $4 million, while Hatton's claim is $3.4 million. These figures do not include the larger outstanding amounts on their contracts, with Rahm's believed to be a nine-figure sum. The majority of LIV's staff were made redundant last month.