9/27/2013

Rory McIlroy Goes RMI

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Rory McIlroy has ended months of speculation by confirming the termination of his contract with Horizon Sports Management.

He has confirmed the establishment of a new management company, which will be called Rory McIlroy Incorporated.

In a statement issued by issued by the Communications Clinic’s Terry Prone this afternoon, he said the details of the contract termination are “in the hands of a legal team led by A&L Goodbody” in Dublin.

McIlroy was in Dublin today for the announcement, which came through Twitter.

McIlroy had been with the Dublin-based management firm since leaving International Sports Management in October 2011.

From now on, the 24-year-old’s business interests will be managed by Rory McIlroy Incorporated (RMI), the statement confirmed.

The CEO of RMI will be Donal Casey, an actuary by profession with many years of CEO experience.

The Rory Foundation for charity will be run by Barry Funston, a business leader and longtime friend of the McIlroy family.

Both men will serve on the RMI Board, together with Gerry McIlroy, the golfer’s father.

Media relations for the Co Down player and his management company will be handled by a team from The Communications Clinic, headed by Terry Prone, according to the statement.

The double Major winner is following in the footsteps of US Masters champion Adam Scott, who set up his own company headed by his father, Phil, with a small group around him.

The suggestion that McIlroy was to leave Horizon first came to light earlier this year, but the golfer declined to comment at the time.

His decision to join Horizon in 2011 – leaving Chubby Chandler of International Sports Management just months after winning the US Open by eight shots – was in itself something of a surprise.

He had, however, a close relationship with Horizon’s Conor Ridge through his friendship with fellow golfer Graeme McDowell.

Last year McIlroy won the US PGA by a record eight shots – one of five wins that propelled him into the No 1 golfer slot in the world.

His successes on the course were matched by major sponsorship deals off it, including a massive link up with Nike Golf. 

However, the popular golfer has struggled to replicate last year’s form this year, and his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki has increasingly come under the spotlight.


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GMAC Stays with Srixon

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Graeme McDowell has signed a multi-year contract extension with Srixon.

Having joined the company in 2011 as US Open Champion, the Rathmore golfer is happy to once again put pen to paper on a new deal. “I’m thrilled to remain a member of the Srixon and Cleveland Golf family, one I’ve been part of since my college days” said McDowell. 

“I couldn’t be happier with my current bag and I’m playing some of the best golf of my career. Much of that has to do with their exceptional equipment, coupled with the tremendous support they’ve continually given me. I’m now looking to taking things forward again and accomplishing many of my professional goals over the coming years.” 

Todd Harman, speaking on behalf of Cleveland/Srixon, said "We couldn’t be more thrilled that Graeme has decided to remain a member of Srixon’s PGA Tour staff. Graeme is one of those unique individuals who brings so much to the game of golf. His passion for competition, combined with his love for the game and respect for the fans, has made him the type of ambassador that any company would be honored to have on their staff. The fact that Graeme has chosen to remain in the Srixon family says an awful lot in regards to how he feels about our products, as well as our company.” 

McDowell currently plays Srixon irons, ball, hat, glove and bag in addition to his Cleveland woods and wedges.


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