Rory McIlroy predicts LIV Golf stars will leave after bankruptcy bombshell

Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf's bankruptcy protection filing could trigger a player exodus — and says the fallout should be good news for the DP World Tour.

LIV Golf's bankruptcy protection was confirmed on Tuesday, throwing fresh uncertainty over the future of the breakaway league and its players.

McIlroy was asked about the development ahead of this week's Irish Open at Trump Doonbeg and believes the new chapter could look very different for LIV's players from a financial perspective.

"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," McIlroy told reporters ahead of this week's DP World Tour event in County Clare. 

The six-time major champion stopped short of predicting exactly what will happen next, but believes some of LIV Golf's biggest names could now explore opportunities elsewhere.

"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," he added. 

McIlroy's comments came less than 24 hours after a stunning report emerged over Jon Rahm's apparent frustration on LIV Golf. 

After official news of LIV's bankruptcy protection filing broke, Flushing It reported that LIV superstar Rahm, who is still owed million from his contract, allegedly left the LIV Golf group chat on 9 August — two weeks before the final event of the season in Indiana.

Rahm has reportedly become increasingly unhappy with life on LIV and is said to be eager to leave the circuit, while it has also been reported that a number of other players including his Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton could be prepared to follow him and have no interest in becoming part of LIV 2.0.

Those reports have not been confirmed by Rahm or LIV Golf, but they have added further intrigue to an already uncertain situation.

In a further bombshell, Flushing It added: "Multiple existing players have told me they are finished with the league."

BBC Sport understands there is no obligation for players to sign up for LIV 2.0, regardless of whether they previously agreed multi-year contracts with LIV 1.0.

Sources told the broadcaster that existing contracts are expected to be dealt with through the court process, with money owed to players and other creditors addressed as part of the restructuring.

That could give a number of LIV players greater freedom to consider their next move — and McIlroy believes the DP World Tour could be one of the major beneficiaries.

"I think 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," said McIlroy. "So I would see that as a good thing for the DP World Tour."

McIlroy also sees a wider opportunity for the European circuit, particularly with its relationship with the PGA Tour developing.

"I think the health of the DP World Tour is in a really good spot," added the World No.2. 

"They have a wonderful alliance with the PGA Tour and 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."

McIlroy believes the presence of more established players during the DP World Tour's traditionally quieter months could significantly raise the standard of competition, just as it has done at this week's Amgen Irish Open with the likes of current LIV stars Rahm, Hatton, Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the field. 

"So you have PGA Tour players really with nothing to do for five months in this period," continued McIlroy. 

"If they are incorporated or whoever else is incorporated into these tournaments, that makes them more competitive."

McIlroy ultimately sees the LIV Golf upheaval as a potential positive for pro golf as a whole.

"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."

For now, McIlroy's attention is on defending his Irish Open title at Trump Doonbeg, which GolfMagic recently got to visit. 

Victory on Sunday would give the 37-year-old a third Irish Open crown and put him alongside Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Sir Nick Faldo and Bernhard Langer as the tournament's only three-time winners.

Rahm is also looking to do the same. 

McIlroy comments on Trump visit

There will be another major talking point surrounding the Irish Open later in the week, with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to arrive at his Doonbeg resort at the weekend. 

The Northern Irishman has already admitted that Trump's presence will make the Irish Open feel "different", with security measures and potential crowd restrictions expected to create logistical challenges.

"But at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no?" McIlroy told BBC Sport NI; watch below. 

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