Former US Open champion and three-time Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell and the Dublin-based Horizons Sports Management Group have released a joint statement indicating McDowell has terminated his relationship with Horizon.
The news comes as a blow to Horizons who are still facing a court case later this year in Dublin with former star client, Rory McIlroy.
McDowell gave no indication of what is an amicable split at the completion of the Barclays Championship and with a formal statement being released just minutes after American Hunter Mahan captured the New Jersey event.
He left the course in the company of Horizon’s Colm Morrissey to fly straight back to Orlando and the birth today (Mon) of his first child.
The sight of Ridge being among the first to congratulate McDowell on his US Open success in 2010 at Pebble Beach will remain one of the most endearing player and manager moments in golf.
However like McIlroy before him, McDowell is deciding to move on and announcing the news just hours before he is due to become a father for the first time.
But with the far-from-amicable loss of McIlroy along the departure of Micheal Hoey, Gareth Maybin and now McDowell it leaves Horizon with two clients in double Tour winner Shane Lowry and England’s and four-time Tour winner Ross Fisher.
Here is the statement released by McDowell and Horizons at 6pm US Eastern time.
For Immediate Release – Paramus, New Jersey, USA
18:00 (EDT)
Sunday, 24th August 2014
Graeme McDowell in shock annoucement he is to split at he end of the seaasno from the Dublin-based Horizon Sports and run by Conor Ridge seen here with the former US Open winner. (Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie)
Graeme McDowell and Horizon Sports Management today announced that Graeme will embark on managing his own commercial interests at the conclusion of his current management contract at the end of the 2014 season.
McDowell commented: “When I joined Horizon in November 2007, I was ranked outside the top 100 players in the world, and was seeking a new and energetic management team to help me achieve my career ambitions – both on and off the golf course. I am proud to say that in the intervening years, these ambitions have not only been achieved, but have surpassed my highest expectations.
“During my time with Horizon I have become a Major Champion, played in three successive Ryder Cups and won multiple tournaments around the world.
“In parallel with this, Horizon has helped me to establish a portfolio of global sponsors and corporate partners, with whom I will remain engaged into the future. Horizon has also played a key role in establishing and growing The G-Mac Foundation. Its continued work for children’s charitable causes in the years ahead will represent a legacy that the team at Horizon should be genuinely proud of.”
“I am at a stage in my life where it feels right to move on to the next phase of my career – both in golf and business. I’m now involved with a growing number of exciting business ventures, many of which Horizon helped me establish, and as the landscape evolves so must I.”
“I would particularly like to thank Conor Ridge and the whole Horizon team for their vision, advice and commitment to my golf career and business affairs over the past seven years. Their integrity and professionalism are a mark of everything that Horizon represents. I look forward to their continued friendship and support in the years ahead.”
Conor Ridge, CEO of Horizon Sports Management added, “We have worked very closely with Graeme since he came on board in 2007 and have developed a strong personal and professional relationship with him over the years. He took a leap of faith when joining what was then a fledgling Irish sports management agency, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved together since.”
“I would like to thank Graeme for putting his trust in us to manage his career and for enabling us to be a part of what has been a very special journey. With him, we have enjoyed some of the most exciting times and satisfying moments in Horizon’s history thus far, which we will always remember fondly.”
“Graeme leaves Horizon as one of the best players in the world and an outstanding ambassador for the game of golf. He is the ultimate role model for any aspiring pro out there, both in how he conducts himself as a person,and the professionalism with which he approaches the game.”
Mr. Ridge concluded: “We wish Graeme well for the rest of his golf career and in his future commercial ventures. His innate business acumen will serve him well as he manages his own affairs in the years ahead. He will move on from Horizon with our very best wishes and on-going support for him and his family.”
