Tranlate this title McIlroy: «DP the big winner of LIV’s collapse» in spanish

Could LIV Golf’s bankruptcy accelerate the exodus of its players? For Rory McIlroy, the answer is yes. Speaking on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Amgen Irish Open, the Northern Irishman believes that the new financial and contractual landscape surrounding the breakaway tour could prompt several of its members to look elsewhere.

On Tuesday, LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. This move follows the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the project’s primary financial backer since its launch in 2022. The goal now is to rebuild a much leaner tour—with support from investment firm BC Partners—aiming for a relaunch in 2027.

However, this new model still needs to win over the players—and, crucially, retain enough stars to remain attractive. Bankruptcy filings revealed that Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are among LIV’s major creditors and are owed millions of dollars.

McIlroy, statements

Neither has announced their departure yet. However, Rahm leaving—like Tyrrell Hatton—now appears to be a very real possibility. It is a prospect that could directly benefit European golf, according to McIlroy.

«I’m not in their shoes, but the original LIV seemed much more attractive financially than what ‘LIV 2.0’ might be,» explained the six-time major winner. «I don’t want to predict the future, but I think you’re going to see some players leave. They’re free to do so now because, I imagine, their contracts were voided by the bankruptcy filing.»

For McIlroy, the most obvious potential beneficiary of this situation is the DP World Tour. «It means other tours have decisions to make.» «There are obviously many players on LIV who can strengthen golf tournaments and make them more competitive. So, I see this as a good thing for the DP World Tour,» he continued.

The Northern Irishman is optimistic about the European Tour’s future, regardless of the difficulties LIV is facing. He believes the alliance formed with the PGA Tour puts the DP World Tour in a strong position, particularly thanks to changes in the US schedule.

«I think the health of the DP World Tour is very good,» McIlroy asserted. In his view, the partnership with the PGA Tour «can only grow stronger,» especially since the US tour is expected to make more room for international competitions during the latter part of the season—a window that could allow the European Tour to attract more PGA Tour players.

«You’ll have PGA Tour players with essentially nothing to do for five months during that period. If they are integrated into these tournaments, it will make them more competitive,» he added. For McIlroy, this development could therefore help strengthen the «golf ecosystem» as a whole.