Rory McIlroy expects LIV Golf members will leave for DP World Tour, PGA Tour after bankruptcy filing

Rory McIlroy anticipates that many LIV Golf members will depart the league following its recent bankruptcy filing. The 34-year-old golfer, speaking ahead of the Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg, commented on the situation as LIV Golf officially filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday. This development came after months of uncertainty following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's decision to cease funding the league.

Although LIV Golf is not yet extinct, it is in the process of transforming into "LIV 2.0" and seeking a way forward without the Public Investment Fund's support. McIlroy, who is not in the same position as the players, believes that the financial outlook for LIV 2.0 is less appealing compared to the initial version.

McIlroy expects several high-profile players to return to either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour in the near future, as their contracts may have been terminated upon the bankruptcy filing. Notable players like Jon Rahm, owed approximately $7.5 million, and Bryson DeChambeau, still owed over $5.7 million, are among those who could potentially leave LIV Golf.

The bankruptcy filing may also grant LIV Golf members relief from their current contracts, enabling them to join alternative tours such as the DP World Tour or even the PGA Tour. The European circuit has been more receptive to LIV Golf members, unlike the PGA Tour, which imposed strict conditions before welcoming players back.

McIlroy, who was a vocal critic of LIV Golf during its peak, believes that the bankruptcy filing will ultimately benefit the DP World Tour. He views the increased competitiveness brought by LIV Golf members as advantageous for tournaments and predicts that the alliance between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour will strengthen in the future.