Taking Rory to the next level
Regardless of what one’s own personal thoughts might be on the matter, McIlroy has made a profound statement about his future golfing intentions by moving away from what is probably “the most powerful management stable” in pro golf. So why has McIlroy moved over to Horizon Sports Management, headed by Conor Ridge, at this time?
While we are not privy to the exact details, Horizon is a smaller company that can offer greater attention to the fine details, such as Rory’s playing schedules and contractual negotiations and obligations around the world.
ISM can no longer offer this same attention to detail, given its unparalleled success in recent years. Quite simply, there are too many high-profile people in the stable all vying for the attentions of Chandler, as was seen at this year’s US Masters when McIlroy’s stablemate Charl Swartzel won.
Ireland has been truly blessed to have four major champions as well as a whole host of truly exceptional golfers. Of them all, Rory carries the mantle of being one of the world’s most prodigious talents, a rare gem.
However, I have been quite critical of the performances of Rory McIlroy over the past few years for a number of reasons. From a management perspective, I have been critical of the consistent mistakes he has made on and off the course.
While he may well be his own man, it is surely up to his management team to make sure the world’s most talented golfer is given every opportunity to grow and develop — at times Rory has almost been left isolated to fend for himself and his actions.
If Rory and his new management team (Horizon) are now to get the best out of themselves, they have to address a few core issues.
As a striker of a golf ball, Rory has few peers. He is probably the best driver of the ball and his long irons are second to none. That said, if he is to go on to the next level, there are still a lot of areas he will have to dramatically improve if he is to consistently win tournaments and major championships.
*His half-shots — Rory still hasn’t demonstrated that he can control and execute the knocked down or half shots, so essential in the heat of battle.
*115 yards and in — one of the most critical components required in a professionals armoury. He is good, but he is not exceptional in this department.
*Chipping around the greens — to excel Rory will need to demonstrate far greater creativity around the greens, so essential on heavily undulating greens like Augusta or the firm putting surfaces at the US Open. He can not always rely on his long game to win Majors.
*His putting — the most essential element to any successful golfers continued success. If you are the best putter, then you are halfway there.
Look at Tiger Woods’s putting performances in the majors over the years. Rory statistically is average at best. He needs to be exceptional.
*The “Grind-Out Factor” — Rory still hasn’t shown his ability to grind out results. He needs to show more resolve in this department.
I have been calling for Rory to have a tutor for some time. I suggested someone like a Jose Maria Olazabal (if available) who already has a vested interest in Rory, as he is next year’s Ryder Cup captain. Apart from the fact that he has achieved everything in the game, he is still young enough for Rory to relate to and most importantly he is someone who Rory will already have a lot of respect for. This is a huge issue and McIlroy would be well advised to find someone he can learn from rather than spending all his time having to learn from his own costly mistakes.
JP Fitzgerald is a great guy and a very experienced caddie. If I was in his shoes, I would sit down with Rory to properly plan a strategy for themselves on the course. Whether it is the case that JP is not giving the correct advice or Rory is not listening to that advice, the results at times are catastrophic and make them both look foolish. This partnership won’t survive many more mistakes.
Whoever in Horizon is in charge of McIlroy’s affairs from now on must make sure their star man is made to feel everything is in place to allow him to perform at his best. Managing a world star like McIlroy brings its own issues. It is Horizon’s job to manage from behind the scenes rather than at times compete for that same space.
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