Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley echoed the comments of the golf world in wishing Rory McIlroy a return to his winning ways now that he has finally sorted out his troubling management affairs.
After months of denial and uncertainty McIlroy has formed his own company ‘Rory McIlroy Incorporated’ and in a ‘family run’ move similar to that of new Masters champion, Adam Scott.
McIlroy had split with the Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler’s International Sports Management (ISM) just four months after capturing the 2011 US Open.
Now that Rory McIlroy has sorted out his management arrangement maybe the former World No. 1 can get back to his winning ways. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
His signing with Horizon Sports Management was a huge coup for the Dublin-based outfit.
But earlier this year at a Tour event in Bulgaria, Graeme McDowell, and who had also left ISM for Horizon, leaked news of McIlroy’s split from Horizon saying at the time: “Rory’s decision is a fairly amicable break up and Rory just wants to do his own thing and surround himself with his family.”
McIlroy and Horizon’s quickly denied any split until yesterday (FRD).
It was McIlroy who issued a statement through his new website and with Horizon’s later expressing their disappointment but reminding Rory McIlroy Incorporated: “Rory’s decision to seek a termination of the management contract with Horizon is now regrettably in the hands of legal advisors. Horizon will be making no further comment.”
It means McIlroy has opted of his deal with Horizon’s just two years into a five-year contract, and sure to cost McIlroy a multi-million dollar refund to Horizon Sports.
Donal Casey, an acturary by profession, has been appointed as CEO of Rory McIlroy Incorporated while McIlroy’s Rory McIlroy Foundation will be run by Barry Funston, a business leader and long-time friend of the McIlroy family.
Both men will serve on the Rory McIlroy Incorporated Board along with McIlroy’s father Gerry McIlroy.
McGinley, like the majority of observers, will see McIlroy’s decision to form his own management company as at least alleviating one troublesome aspect in the make-up of the player who has now slipped to No. 6 in the world.
What remains is to be seen will be if McIlroy can soon regain the form that’s won him two Majors and eight other events around the globe plus playing a pivotal part in two winning European Ryder Cup sides.
“My official comment is that guys personal dealings is their own official business but then like everybody I want to wish Rory the best now for the future,” said McGinley.
McGinley was speaking after signing for a 68 at Kingsbarns to move to six under par after two rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
England’s Tom Lewis birdied three of his closing five holes in a round of 65 at St. Andrews to lead a packed leader board by one shot at 15-under par from recent KLM Open winner, Joost Luiten (63) of Holland.
American Peter Uihleim is among six players on 13-under par and became the 16th player on the Tour to shoot a round of 60 and with his 30-foot eagle putt for the first-ever 59 stopping just three inches from the hole.
Former champion, Michael Hoey and Shane Lowry each recorded 66s to share the leading Irish honours and with Hoey starting with three birdies and for a first time in his career producing a round without a ‘5’on his scorecard.
“I made five birdies in a row for a first time in my career yesterday at Carnoustie and now today not to have a five on my card is also a first, so I’m really pleased,” said Hoey.
“But then it was perfect conditions out there today and everyone was just tearing it apart.”
Lowry birdied four of closing seven holes in a 66 while Darren Clarke eagled his third hole in a round also of 66 to among 15 players in 20th place on nine under par.
“I’ve been nicely this week and nine under par is not that far away and being back playing links golf is always enjoyable,” he said.
Simon Thornton (70) is at five under par while Damien McGrane posted a 65 and 10 shots fewer than his first round.
“I was bit on the arse yesterday but did some biting back of my own today,” said McGrane.
