LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US on Tuesday, citing a few attempts to restructure for a "new era" next year. The organization owes at least $45m to 14 current and former players, including major stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. This legal move allows golfers to opt out of their existing contracts, rather than being forced to remain for the planned LIV 2.0 launch.

The DP World Tour has reported a "high volume" of interest from players seeking to return, though re-entry remains complicated by contractual restrictions. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour has indicated no current plans to run its returning member programme, potentially forcing players like Patrick Reed to earn their way back through DP World Tour performance. LIV Golf estimates assets between $100m and $500m, but liabilities ranging from $500m to $1bn.

A critical deadline looms within 35 days, requiring a requisite number of players—specifically half of those with claims—to sign restructuring agreements by mid-October. Top creditors include Rahm, owed $7.5m, and DeChambeau, among others. The financial and regulatory hurdles signal a precarious path for the breakaway league's survival.