McIlroy foresees player exodus as LIV enters bankruptcy restructuring

Rory McIlroy expects a wave of departures from LIV Golf after the breakaway circuit filed for bankruptcy protection in New Jersey, signalling a major restructuring following the loss of its Saudi backers. Court documents reveal LIV owes between $500 million and $1 billion to more than 1,000 creditors, including marquee players Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. While several stars have been linked with returns to the PGA Tour, officials insist no pathway currently exists.

McIlroy, speaking ahead of his Irish Open defence at Doonbeg, suggested LIV’s future version will appear far less appealing financially, predicting that “some guys leave.” He argued that an exodus could benefit the broader golf ecosystem, strengthening the DP World Tour and other circuits. LIV maintains plans for a “2.0” relaunch featuring events across five continents under new lead investor BC Partners. McIlroy headlines a strong Irish Open field that includes Rahm and Shane Lowry.