Rory McIlroy makes feelings clear on LIV bankruptcy and effect on 'golf ecosystem'

16:03, 09 Sep 2026Updated 16:14, 09 Sep 2026

Rory McIlroy is anticipating a wave of departures from LIV Golf following the breakaway league's bankruptcy filing, which has pushed it ever closer to total collapse.

LIV is aiming to rebuild after being abandoned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which poured billions into the league before withdrawing its support. The league has reached an agreement with private equity firm BC Partners to relaunch in 2027 as a significantly scaled-back operation, though it requires player commitment to stand any realistic chance of survival.

It appears players are now free to walk away following Tuesday's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which disclosed that Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are LIV's largest creditors, with millions of dollars owed to them.

While no player has publicly confirmed their intention to leave LIV, it is widely anticipated that Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will be amongst the high-profile names to cut ties with the organisation.

McIlroy, a vocal opponent of LIV since its inception, is competing at the Irish Open this week, and told reporters that the bankruptcy news represents a significant boost for the DP World Tour, which stands to gain from an influx of top-level talent, reports the Mirror US.

"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," the six-time major champion said.

"I'm not trying to predict the future, but 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.

"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 believes the European circuit is thriving despite LIV's struggles, largely due to its partnership with the PGA Tour. This transatlantic relationship is expected to grow stronger in the years ahead, with the PGA Tour streamlining its calendar and creating opportunities during the autumn for the DP World Tour to welcome the sport's elite.

"I think the health of the DP World Tour is in a really good spot," McIlroy stated. "They have a wonderful alliance with the PGA Tour. I think that alliance is only going to get stronger, especially with the PGA Tour committing to working with the DP World Tour for some of these international events at this time of the year going forward.

"So you have PGA Tour players really with nothing to do for five months in this period. If they are incorporated or whoever else is incorporated into these tournaments, that makes them more competitive.

"Overall, you know, I think with the way things are working out, it's a very good thing for the golf ecosystem. I think it only makes these tournaments stronger with more competitive players in them."

Regarding speculation about an alternative reality where McIlroy joined LIV when it generously assembled its star-studded line-up four years ago, McIlroy stated that he "never had an option" to sign with the breakaway tour, adding with a chuckle that he is content "without having to deal" with the turmoil that has consumed the rebel circuit.