McIlroy predicts player exodus after LIV files for bankruptcy protection / Photo: Jonathan Bachman - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
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McIlroy predicts player exodus after LIV files for bankruptcy protection
Rory McIlroy predicts players will opt to leave LIV Golf after the breakaway tour filed for bankruptcy protection, saying the upheaval could be positive for the sport's "ecosystem".
The filing at a New Jersey court indicates LIV, which abruptly lost its deep-pocketed Saudi investors earlier this year, intends to restructure and return in a new form.
But documents show LIV, launched in 2022, owes between $500 million and $1 billion in estimated liabilities to at least 1,000 creditors, including star players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.
Widespread reports have linked several stars with potential returns to the US PGA Tour and other series, though the PGA said it currently has no plans to offer LIV players a pathway back.
"I am 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 told reporters on Wednesday ahead of his Irish Open defence at Doonbeg.
"I am not trying to predict the future, but I would predict that you will see some guys leave."
He added: "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 (European Tour)."
The six-time major champion added: "Overall, I think with the way things are working out, it is a very good thing for the golf ecosystem. I think it only makes these tournaments stronger with more competitive players in them."
The LIV rebel tour has bitterly divided the world of golf, recruiting a string of top players with the lure of huge rewards.
Tour officials have previously pledged that a "2.0" version of the tour will re-emerge under new investors next season, with a shorter schedule and reduced prize money.
Further details emerged on Tuesday. LIV intends to host tournaments across five continents, in locations including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, England, Hong Kong and the United States.
Tuesday's filing confirmed LIV has partnered for the restructuring effort with British investment group BC Partners -- long rumoured to be the tour's mystery new "lead investor".
Defending champion McIlroy heads a strong field at the Irish Open, which is being played at Donald Trump's Doonbeg golf course in County Clare, also including major winners Rahm and Shane Lowry.
The US president is expected to attend the tournament during his upcoming visit to Ireland, where he is set to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and prime minister Micheal Martin.
D.Nader--CdE
