Tour News

McIlroy, McDowell cited in U.K. tax probe

Published

11 years ago

Feb 13, 2015

If you thought Rory McIlroy’s pre-Masters legal distractions were behind him after last week’s $20 million-plus settlement with former management Horizon Sports, you’d be wrong. The Ulsterman is cited (along with Graeme McDowell) in a U.K. tax probe, which could have serious financial ramifications.

At issue: potential dubious dealings by programs Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell invested in. Thus, the duo is only potentially engaged in disreputable behavior by association. Valhalla Private Client Services allegedly “unfairly exploited incentives designed to boost run-down city centers, under which the investors could claim tax relief,” according to a story in the Mirror.

One such property: the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

[quote_box_center]“Golf star Rory McIlroy and other investors could be hit with accelerated payment notices (APN) after collectively investing £10m in the scheme which helped fund the new Titanic Hotel complex in Liverpool’s docklands,” according to a report in the Liverpool Echo. [/quote_box_center]

HMRC is investigating whether the schemes unfairly avoided tax by exploiting the Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) programme, under which investors can claim up to 100 percent tax relief on expenditure.

In 2013, after the Coalition extended its run to 2017, Treasury Minister David Gauke warned many BPRA funds were unfairly exploiting these tax advantages, branding them “seriously flawed.”

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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.

4 Comments

Jason

Feb 15, 2015 at 9:43 pm

Rich–I’m not sure it would be a great idea to keep $200 million in a savings account. I think only $250k would be insured by the gov. But I know what you mean, find a place to keep the money. He doesn’t need to grow the money..just needs to preserve it and avoid court issues.

Reply Report comment
- Rich
  
  Feb 16, 2015 at 3:37 pm
  
  Yep, exactly.
  
  Reply Report comment
jj

Feb 15, 2015 at 1:04 am

why to these none athletes, celebratory egotisticals need to make that much money anyway. I could see a 1/2 mil per year tops for #1

Reply Report comment
Rich

Feb 13, 2015 at 4:08 pm

Just put the 200 million in a savings account Rory. No more legal issues with money dude, you’re starting to look either dodgey your just very stupid.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 PGA Championship

Published

2 days ago

May 11, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

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.

Check out links to all our photos below.