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"Commit yourself to quality from day one... it's better to do nothing at all than to do something badly.”
Mark McCormack, IMG
Lefty shares little about his private life off the course. In recent weeks a series of rumours did filter through about alleged insider trading deals. But were quickly scotched from the front pages with official statements from Mickelson's team. Quite correctly if there was misinformation on the loose.
The most we really ever got to know on the personal side was about his wife Amy and her battle with serious illness some years ago. And the only reason the public became aware was that Mickelson’s schedule naturally was affected as he remained at his wife's side during key treatment times. But to this day how, who and were Phil and Amy met is not in the public domain. All we do know is that the Arizona State University graduate eased into Muirfield last summer and left as holder of the Open Championship. Bringing his major trophy haul to five.
The only other headlines post event was that after shooting a final round 66 to net the £1,445,000 prize money Mickelson faced a tax bill of £636,069. In addition, UK tax authorities apportioned his endorsement monies for those two weeks he was in Scotland, taxing bonuses for winning the two tournaments. Leaving the US golfer very concerned as to whether the trip was actually worthwhile - beyond the beauty of the Claret Jug.
As Mickelson chooses to live in California he is taxable on his global earnings and a matter he had spoken critically about his taxes during the same year - attracting some complaints. As opposed many other golfers who live in tax-free Florida.
But beyond that it is not obvious whether Phil is on Twitter, Facebook or writes a blog. Nor is it a case that he feels compelled to give feature interviews. Or indeed make statements on matters relating to his personal life. Other than obviously recently where his name was becoming entangled incorrectly in a business deal.
Rory McIlroy could take a leaf out of Lefty’s manual and take himself off the front pages. Which this week now sees the nitty-gritty of his relationship with Dublin based sports management company, Horizon Sports, catch unwanted headlines. Also dragging in the name of fellow Northern Ireland professional, Graeme McDowell into the mix.
Something GMAC may not be all that grateful for, having just come off a great four days at The Irish Open - where he was a contender until the end.
These headiness garnered the day after the Fota Island event are less than appealing and something Rory McIlroy's new backroom team appear oblivious to as they engage in a legal battle that will no doubt prove costly. And more worryingly, not enhancing anyone’s reputation in the end. Or indeed delivering winners.
But for Rory news making seems at times to be addictive. Particularly having given a series of interviews post his break up with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki. explaining how he was leaving twitter, his laptop and mobile aside. Surely a contradiction for someone who wants to go silent running. Or under cover. That latent need to explain everything to the public can only be a distraction and is totally superfluous.
It seems though to be part of the strategy of his Dublin PR team. Who it appears have a limited track record in the international sports arena. More accustomed to the corporate world. As well as crisis management. And who, it should be noted, issued a statement about the cancelled engagement and wedding of Wozzilroy on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Just hours before McIlroy was to face the obligatory event media sessions.
Hardly ideal timing one would have thought.
All that being said, Rory then set the record straight and thumped the field on the final day to seize the BMW PGA trophy. Bringing his much remarked luckless run to an end on the European Tour. Nicely adding to his win Downunder in December at the Australian Open.
Despite that fortune he travelled to Pinehurst allegedly in good fettle only to fade out of contention early on and watch Martin Kaymer set new records and add another major title to his CV. Leaving McIlroy with a return to Fota Island for the Irish Open, only to then miss the cut by a country mile. And do so in a very tame way, even if his golf bag was lost in transit from Newark Airport by United Airlines.
Then on the Monday faced the court case headlines in the press as Mikko Ilonen departed with the Irish Open trophy.
With so many people at his side over the years and having now created a management company of his own - after two previous breakups - it is still hard to see a change in the modus operandi. Which from the outside is of concern only in the sense that McIlroy’s playing career may yet under deliver.
Having been well-placed two years ago to match the major winning feats of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy has now slipped through a couple of years where he has not been in the major mix. As Woods career proves, leaving all the winning to later years becomes harder when injuries start to take their toll. Already making that Nicklaus major record looks unreachable for Woods. Albeit he is returning from more knee surgery this week.
Rory’s win at Kiawah Island is now two years ago. Two of this year's majors having already been consigned to history. With the Open Championship the next on the horizon.
But to offer advice to McIlroy now is like megaphone diplomacy gone wrong. The added difficulty being that nobody is listening as too many vested interests appear involved to even ensure that the sole priority remains golf.
As Mark McCormack clearly established when the big three came together in the 1960's to form what is known as International Sports Management [ISM], the objective was to take the worries away from the talent. To keep their heads and timetables clear for what they did best and ensuring they fulfilled their potential. If they did, the money would roll in.
In the case Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus the ISM strategy was a complete success all around. Nome more so than the sport of golf and continued for numerous athletes in the five decades since.
With ISM they never had to worry about endorsements, paying bills or booking travel. In successful relationships the productivity off the course is an algorithm of the value delivered on the course. With all parties gaining as the trophies are collected and endorsements accumulated. The McIlroy story breaks that algorithm.
Perhaps because the Nike deal makes everyone so financially comfortable for the next few years that the hunger or will to win becomes dulled. Or so it seems from a distance. There would be nothing more enjoyable than seeing a smiling McIlroy on the course.
Sure, completing his necessary commitments with the media and sponsors as required. But nothing else. With all his time left to prepare for majors, which perhaps is being done already, but is not the perception given the indifferent outings at The Masters, the US Open and other events this year.
The added information about his personal life is not of public interest. However having courted and charmed the media early McIlroy’s learning that it cannot be switched off at will. Hence anything relating to Wozniacki or indeed his previous girlfriend, Holly Sweeney, is still regarded as newsworthy.
Tournament wins the only count that should make the news.
At twenty five years of age Rory needs to ensure no more majors pass him by. With Tiger Woods having kept the growth of golf alive globally for many years, Rory McIlroy remains one of the few talents that could fill that void when the indomitable Woods steps back. But to help build added mystique and appeal. As the less we know about Rory day-to-day the better. The preferred management strategy should be: no news is good news.
Or in soccer parlance, only sing if you’re winning!
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