Rory McIlroy Repairs Rift Between He & Graeme McDowell.

11 years ago by Comments Off on Rory McIlroy Repairs Rift Between He & Graeme McDowell.

Rory McIlroy has dispelled any split in his relationship with long-time fellow friend and US Open champion, Graeme McDowell ahead of this week’s BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in England.

McDowell surprisingly lifted the lid last week in Bulgaria on McIlroy leaving the Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management and the company looking after the affairs of both players.

But while McDowell revealed McIlroy is on the verge of terminating his five-year contract after just 18 months into his agreement neither McIlroy or Horizon’s Conor Ridge have issued a statement confirming the arrangement.

Rory McIlroy in good spirits on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

Rory McIlroy in good spirits on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

McIlroy had been approached on Tuesday at the Wentworth Club, and venue for this week’s European Tour flagship BMW PGA Championship.

And when asked for a comment on any management split he bluntly responded:  “Go ask G Mac. He knows more than me.”

McIlroy acknowledged the remark today but stressed there is no problem with regards their relationship of some 15 years.

“I know what I said yesterday and I guess at the time I meant that but it is what it is and it’s water under the bridge and away we go,” said McIlroy.

“I spoke to Graeme yesterday afternoon and when we got back to the hotel we had a chat.  Everything’s good. So there won’t be any quid pro quo at the wrong time the next few dayss or any stuff like that

“I’m great friends with Graeme.  He’s been like a big brother to me on Tour.  I remember playing a practice rounds with him at the Dunhill Links back in 2007 when I got my card.

“He really showed me the ropes out here for a couple of years, and it’s great to have good friends on Tour and he’s somebody I consider a very good friend.”
But when asked to comment on whether he intends leaving Horizon Sports and managing his own affairs McIlroy would only say:  “I can’t comment.”
He was then asked:  “Is it because of contractual conditions with your present management company?”

McIlroy answered:  “Could be.”

Organisers unaware of any rift have in fact grouped McIlroy and McDowell together with Scotland’s Paul Lawrie for the  opening two rounds of this week’s BMW PGA in the company of each other.

And while there remains uncertainty surrounding McIlroy’s business affairs the double Major winner indicated it not distracting him from seeking to win a first tournament this year.

“Not at all,” he declared.

“Once I get on that first tee, my mind is focussed on shooting the best score possible and that has not changed and that will never change.”

 



Comments are closed.