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Rory McIlroy is taking a brief break from golf

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Rory McIlroy is taking a short break from professional golf out of necessity. It’s not due to injury or exhaustion, however. The Ulsterman will have a new full-time job in the next few weeks: prepping for trial.

McIlroy’s ongoing legal despute with his former management company, Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management Ltd, is proceeding to trial.

In a statement, McIlroy said:

“I’m going to need time away from tournament golf to prepare for the trial over my legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management. The court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue.”

How much time are we talking about? Not a lot. McIlroy is expected to miss the BMW Masters and could be back at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in late November.

Here’s a refresher on what’s at issue and what has happened so far.

In a nutshell, McIlroy alleges that a representation agreement he signed with Horizon in 2011 is unenforceable because the company exerted “undue influence” in coaxing him into signing an “unconscionable contract” that provided for “excessive commissions.” He contests that he signed on at 22 and without legal advice.

Horizon has counter-sued, claiming McIlroy owes the company more than three million dollars in off-course revenues. They also insist he owes additional money for past and ongoing breaches of contract.

As Luke Kerr-Dineen of Golf Digest wrote about the issue:

“When McIlroy filed suit against Horizon on October 14th was it revealed that the former World No. 1 felt he was coaxed into signed a “limiting” deal with the company (and at the office Christmas party, to make matters stranger — more on that later). McIlroy also said in a statement that his agent, Conor Ridge…and Horizon were “primarily concerned with maximizing their own share of any commission.” Translation: McIlroy felt he was unfairly paying too much money to his agents.”

It’s expected that McIlroy could spend in excess of a week on the stand after the conclusion of the discovery process.

Sub-optimal conditions as he prepares to pursue the career grand slam at Augusta at the beginning of April, to be sure.

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36 Comments

36 Comments

  1. Pingback: Law And Disorder- McIlroy's Legal Ills - The Golf Shop Online Blog

  2. Tour Guy

    Oct 23, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    What a doozie

  3. Dpavs

    Oct 23, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    One more feather in his I’m an immature jerk hat.

  4. Teddy Scott

    Oct 23, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    The last thing I need is a precedent stating someone can do something and not be responsible for it…guess I’ll be getting sued when bubba hits his next bad shot

  5. The south

    Oct 23, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    We’re not responsible for slavery

  6. Adolf Hitler

    Oct 23, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I take back what I did to the Jews

  7. Bob Ross

    Oct 23, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    As of right now, I never painted a happy tree

  8. Guest

    Oct 23, 2014 at 11:16 am

    This is the dumbest thing I have ever read. By far.

  9. marcel

    Oct 22, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    very sad that the leech company wont let Rory go unless they destroy him. very very sad.

  10. Jeff

    Oct 22, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    I have zero idea how the court system works in the UK but I’m just gonna support Rory, here’s why. I’m his fan, I have no reason not to believe him. He got screwed, and he’s not just gon a roll over, that’s all.

    Answering the guy about Chubby Chandler, his name or mark isn’t on this at all. He was the guy who represented G MAC and Rory both. G mac left, then Apparently Horizon tried to line their pockets on the historic deal young Rory was about to sign with Nike, believe any narrative you want, this one rings truest to me

    • courtoni20

      Nov 7, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Did Gmac leave once his contract was completed? How many of us have signed stupid agreements when we were young without proper representation and had to live with the tough life lesson. They screwed him yes but he signed a contract.

  11. Golfraven

    Oct 22, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    There is too much money in Dublin and I see why. Lived there couple of years and those chaps rip you off with a smile. Gamblers with no morals. Rory comes from a hard working family and his parents wouldn’t be happy if he just thrown money into a dragons throat – no matter what the amount. Glad he is fighting his case.

  12. jwc

    Oct 22, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    No mulligans in golf but he wants one for a legally binding contract he signed with his own hand on his own accord? Interesting.

    • Desmond

      Oct 22, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      The agents know better — you do not have the other side sign a contract unless they have representation. That’s how a contract holds up.

      • Desmond

        Oct 22, 2014 at 8:17 pm

        It’s obvious they were ripping Rory off. You just don’t pull stunts like that..

  13. erkr

    Oct 22, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Never give in to people who tries to fool you.
    Even if he makes loads of money its no reason to fool a young man into a bad personal deal.

  14. Carlos Danger

    Oct 22, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Insert “doesnt he have enough money???” comment here ___________

  15. JEFF

    Oct 22, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Why do people care what he does? I heard though that he was getting a breast reduction and a tattoo of a butterfly on his butt cheeks….kinda weird really!

  16. Desmond

    Oct 22, 2014 at 10:10 am

    The management company should have known not to sign a deal with young Rory if he was not represented. Once he signed the deal and counsel was hired to review what Rory had signed, they should have re-negotiated the deal. You cannot allow any business to do this to anyone … it’s bad business.

  17. The Infidel

    Oct 22, 2014 at 9:43 am

    I think there is plenty of comment on here without what is a full set of facts. A common theme on WRX stories or posts.

    It’s my understanding that the inducements that were made in order to reach an agreement or contract may have been false or untrue at the point of signing. If you sign up (without legal advice) to get a prime rib and all you get is 3 week old chuck steak then you’re going to have a legitimate gripe. I think people should let the facts become known before making judgement. Rarely are things as neatly black and white as those in their ivory tower would like them to be.

  18. Christosterone

    Oct 22, 2014 at 9:15 am

    Quick question to the author:
    Where is Chubby Chandler in all of this? Is he involved?
    Chubby always seemed like a great guy and I hope he’s not implicated in anything elicit.

  19. bosse

    Oct 22, 2014 at 4:37 am

    this is not about money, this is about pride. Mcilroy is a world athlete with a winners attitude, he hate being fooled and this is his way of making up with guys he think took advantage of him. Björn borg was the same, almost throwed away his whole (post tennis career) company and brand because he had liaised with scumbags. he would not let a scumbag win against him at any cost, even if it meant him becoming broke.

    now rory don’t risk falling broke though, just wanna make my point that this is personal, not about monay

    • Golfraven

      Oct 22, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      This is the reason why he opted out from his wedding arrangement with Wozniaki – whatever she did to him in the past. I guess he was asking for legal advice in this matter at least. She would have taken him to the cleaners for all he has. Go on Rory, you are a winner.

      • Pat

        Oct 22, 2014 at 3:44 pm

        Wozniaki makes tons of money herself. She doesn’t need Mcilroy to support her. Where are your facts? Or is the bs you are spewing just based on what you’ve “heard” through the grapevine?

  20. Tom Thompson

    Oct 22, 2014 at 2:35 am

    ‘In a nutshell, McIlroy alleges that a representation agreement he signed with Horizon in 2011 is unenforceable because the company exerted “undue influence” in coaxing him into signing an “unconscionable contract” that provided for “excessive commissions.” He contests that he signed on at 22 and without legal advice.’

    So, the company presented him with a contract, said “sign it or it will go away in 24 hours,” that presented favorable terms to the company and he said “okay” before consulting external opinions.

    Go home Rory and swim in your $250 million Nike dollars. What’s that? You have to give some of that away? Then swim in your $225 million dollars and consult a lawyer in the future.

    I’m fine with people suing when the other party breaks a contract. I’m less fine with people suing because they stand to gain by breaking the contract they signed.

    Maybe it’s way more complicated? Maybe they held a gun to his head and forced him to sign? But nothing about any of this sounds that way. It sound like he signed a deal that he wishes he didn’t sign. He hasn’t tricked. He was just dumb, and despite that, he’s still filthy rich in the end.

  21. Marty

    Oct 22, 2014 at 2:22 am

    I can’t believe Nike just doesn’t sign a check and make this go away. $3 mil is chump change to what Nike will make if he keeps winning.

    • Pat

      Oct 22, 2014 at 3:47 pm

      If it was 10 grand, Nike would probably just scoff and pay it off. We are talking about 3 million dollars which is a lot of money even for a billion dollar company. In this case, your logic is flawed.

  22. MHendon

    Oct 22, 2014 at 1:13 am

    Sounds like a lot of Boxers need to pay attention to this case.

  23. nikkyd

    Oct 21, 2014 at 11:02 pm

    Rors needs to find himself a mike mccormick like arnie had

    • LY

      Oct 22, 2014 at 6:49 pm

      It’s Mark McCormack. His contract with Arnold Palmer was a simple handshake. That sure wouldn’t work today.

  24. Golferbull

    Oct 21, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Who are you clowns, judge Judy? Let the guy have his day in court and stop pretending to know anything about UK contract and tort law.

    • Ken

      Oct 21, 2014 at 10:29 pm

      Guessing we know as much as you, Sparky. Zero knowledge of UK law … I do understand common sense. You?

  25. Ken

    Oct 21, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    It was his choice to forego legal representation. He was of legal age. I’m not surprised it wasn’t resolved through arbitration. Sounds like an expensive lesson.

  26. Rich

    Oct 21, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    He seems to be making a habit of this each time he signs new contracts. Oakley, Horizon, who’s next? I would be very wary of going into business with this guy. His habit is if he doesn’t like it later or changes his mind he sues. Or he dumps you after the invitations have been sent out!

  27. enrique

    Oct 21, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    Hmmm. Signed on as an adult. Tough battle. Good luck to him.

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News

Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Friday morning, golf fans, may a bountiful weekend of golf be in store for you!

1. 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour

KFT staff report…”Frankie Capan III went crazy low Thursday on the Korn Ferry Tour. Nearly in record fashion.”

  • “Capan carded 13-under 58 in the opening round of the Veritex Bank Championship, matching the second lowest score in Korn Ferry Tour history. He fell one shy of Cristobal Del Solar’s record 57, set at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard earlier this year, but it was a heck of a show nonetheless.”
  • “The Minnesota native played an eight-hole stretch in 9-under Thursday, following an eagle at the par-5 ninth with seven straight birdies to begin the back nine at par-71 Texas Rangers Golf Club. He “cooled off” with a two-putt par at the long par-4 17th hole. He arrived at the par-5 18th hole at 13 under for the round, but he found a fairway bunker off the tee, laid up to 134 yards and missed his third shot left of the green. He chipped to 7 feet and drained the par putt to match the Korn Ferry Tour’s second-lowest score of 58, carded by Stephan Jaeger in the opening round of the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae.”
Full piece.

2. Team McIlowery starts strong

Paul Hodowanic for PGATour.com…”Late Thursday afternoon in New Orleans, Rory McIlroy rested his head on Shane Lowry’s shoulder.”

  • “It wasn’t the typical post-round moment, but this isn’t the typical event. McIlroy and Lowry teamed up for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA TOUR’s lone team event, and the all-Irish duo put on a show. Sporting matching pink-on-navy getups, McIlroy/Lowry opened in a best-ball 11-under 61 in Thursday’s Four-ball format at TPC Louisiana.”
  • “This partnership might have stemmed from a boozy brunch last fall, but their opening-round performance at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gave the field a sobering reminder: They’ll be tough to top.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA Tour: Grace Kim in front

AP report…”Grace Kim shot a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

  • “Playing in the morning session, the 23-year-old Australian capped her bogey-free round with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 18th.”
  • “Well, I chunked my tee shot on the last hole 20 meters short and then I chipped it in it,” Kim said. “I think that’s pretty cool, in front of everyone
Full piece.

4. McIlroy on rejoining policy board

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Rory McIlroy said Wednesday that he is willing to rejoin the PGA Tour policy board if the other player directors want him.”

  • “As first reported by the Guardian, Webb Simpson has submitted a letter stating that he’d like to resign from the board, but only if his vacant seat is filled by McIlroy, who stepped down last fall because of the toll it had taken on him professionally and personally.”
  • “Five months later, what has changed?”
  • “I think I can be helpful,” McIlroy said Wednesday ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he is partnering with Shane Lowry. “I don’t think there’s been much progress made in the last eight months, and I was hopeful that there would be. I think I could be helpful to the process. But only if people want me involved, I guess.”
Full piece.

5. Charlie Woods shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Golfweek’s Cameron Jourdan…”Charlie Woods is going to have to wait to play in the U.S. Open.”

“The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods played Thursday in local qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s national championship, set for June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Charlie played at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and he shot 9-over 81.”

“Charlie’s round featured a bogey on his opening hole, the par-4 first. He then doubled the par-5 second. A pair of pars followed before his lone birdie on the front, but another double the next hole, the par-4 sixth, had him turn in 4-over 40.”

Full piece.

6. Photos from the Zurich Classic

GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

Check out all our photos at the link below!

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.

Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

 

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

  • “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

  • “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
  • “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

  • “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

  • “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

  • “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
  • “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

  • “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
  • “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
  • “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
  • “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

  • “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
  • “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

  • “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
  • “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.
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