Golf’s Biggest Story Today: LIV Golf Files for Bankruptcy — What Happens Next?

September 9, 2026 | 18 DAILY Golf Blog

Golf has had its share of drama over the past few years, but today brought one of the biggest developments yet.

LIV Golf has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The league that shook up professional golf, signed some of the biggest names in the sport, and challenged the PGA Tour is now attempting a major restructuring.

And this could change professional golf all over again.

LIV Golf’s Money Problems Are Huge

According to bankruptcy filings, LIV listed $100–$500 million in assets and $500 million–$1 billion in liabilities. Several superstar golfers are also listed among the creditors.

Jon Rahm is reportedly owed about $7.5 million, Bryson DeChambeau $5.7 million, Dustin Johnson $5.5 million, Cameron Smith $4.8 million, and Tyrrell Hatton $3.4 million.

LIV says bankruptcy doesn't mean the league is immediately disappearing. Instead, it's attempting to restructure and create a more sustainable version of the league.

But there is a much bigger question.

What happens to all those players?

Could LIV Stars Return to the PGA Tour?

This is where things get interesting.

With LIV restructuring, the future of some player contracts is uncertain. That immediately creates speculation about whether golfers such as Rahm, DeChambeau, Johnson and Cameron Smith could eventually find their way back into traditional tour golf.

Rory McIlroy has already weighed in, saying the PGA Tour and DP World Tour could have some major decisions to make if LIV players begin looking for a way back.

Imagine PGA Tour fields regularly featuring Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm again.

For golf fans, that could be one of the best possible outcomes.

Ryder Cup Changes Are Coming Too

LIV isn't the only golf news today.

The United States is also changing how players qualify for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Under the new system, performances from 2026 won't count toward qualification. Ryder Cup points will begin with the 2027 American Express, and the system will no longer be directly tied to tournament prize money.

The top six players will automatically qualify, while U.S. captain Jim Furyk will still have six captain's picks.

That puts even more emphasis on who's playing the best golf right now when Ryder Cup season arrives.

The Bigger Picture

Professional golf has spent years divided.

PGA Tour vs. LIV. Traditional tournaments vs. team golf. Huge guaranteed contracts vs. earning your way through competition.

LIV's bankruptcy doesn't necessarily end that story, but it could mark the beginning of another major shift.

If some of the world's best players eventually return to competing against each other regularly, golf fans may ultimately be the winners.

At 18 DAILY, that's what we're watching.

Because regardless of which tour you follow, golf is better when the best players in the world are standing on the same tee box.

What do you think?

Would you like to see Rahm, Bryson, DJ and the other LIV stars return to the PGA Tour?

Drop your opinion in the comments.

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