News

Rory McIlroy is taking a brief break from golf

Published

12 years ago

Oct 22, 2014

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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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

36 Comments

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

Oct 23, 2014 at 7:34 pm

What a doozie

Reply Report comment
Dpavs

Oct 23, 2014 at 2:48 pm

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

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
The south

Oct 23, 2014 at 2:10 pm

We’re not responsible for slavery

Reply Report comment
- The north
  
  Oct 23, 2014 at 2:13 pm
  
  We take back winning the war
  
  Reply Report comment
Adolf Hitler

Oct 23, 2014 at 2:07 pm

I take back what I did to the Jews

Reply Report comment
Bob Ross

Oct 23, 2014 at 2:04 pm

As of right now, I never painted a happy tree

Reply Report comment
Guest

Oct 23, 2014 at 11:16 am

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

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Desmond
    
    Oct 22, 2014 at 8:17 pm
    
    It’s obvious they were ripping Rory off. You just don’t pull stunts like that..
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Carlos Danger

Oct 22, 2014 at 11:31 am

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

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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?
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
MHendon

Oct 22, 2014 at 1:13 am

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

Reply Report comment
nikkyd

Oct 21, 2014 at 11:02 pm

Rors needs to find himself a mike mccormick like arnie had

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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?
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
enrique

Oct 21, 2014 at 8:59 pm

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

Reply Report comment

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Scottie Scheffler leads the betting ahead of the second major championship of the year, with the World Number One a +345 favorite to get his hands on a second PGA Championship.

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Photos from the 2026 PGA Championship

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May 11, 2026

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GolfWRX is on site for the second major of 2026: The PGA Championship from Aronimink in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

The tournament’s location, just outside Philadelphia, and its status as a major championship mean GolfWRXers are in for a treat: WITBs from a strong field, custom gear celebrating the PGA Championship, and the rich culture of the City of Brotherly Love — we have noted a relative absence of cheesesteak-themed items thus far this week, but most of the rest of the usual suspects are well represented.

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