McIlroy’s go it alone venture good news for McGinley

Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley is smart enough not to comment on the private life of his expected Gleneagles side but there was no hiding his pleasure in learning Rory McIlroy has sorted out his management affairs.

After months of denial and uncertainty McIlroy has formed his own company ’Rory McIlroy Incorporated’ and in a family-run move similar to that of Masters champion, Adam Scott.

McIlroy had split with the Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler’s International Sports Management (ISM) just four months after capturing the 2011 US Open. His signing with Horizon Sports Management was a huge coup for the Dublin-based outfit. But earlier this year at a Tour event in Bulgaria, Graeme McDowell, who had also left ISM for Horizon, leaked news of McIlroy’s split: “Rory’s decision is a fairly amicable break up and Rory just wants to do his own thing and surround himself with his family.”

McIlroy and Horizon’s quickly denied any split until yesterday. McIlroy issued a statement through his new website and Horizon’s later expressed their disappointment: “Rory’s decision to seek a termination of the management contract with Horizon is now regrettably in the hands of legal advisors. Horizon will be making no further comment.”

Donal Casey, an actuary by profession, has been appointed as CEO of Rory McIlroy Incorporated while McIlroy’s Foundation will be run by Barry Funston, a business leader and long-time friend of the McIlroy family. Both men will serve on the company’s board along with McIlroy’s father Gerry.

McGinley, like the majority of observers, will see McIlroy’s decision to form his own management company as at least alleviating one troublesome aspect in the make-up of the player who has now slipped to number six in the world.

“My official comment is that guys personal dealings is their own official business but then like everybody I want to wish Rory the best now for the future,” said McGinley.

McGinley was speaking after signing for a 68 at Kingsbarns to move to six under par after two rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. England’s Tom Lewis birdied three of his closing five holes in a round of 65 at St Andrews to lead by a shot at 15-under par from KLM Open winner, Joost Luiten (63) of Holland.

Former champion Michael Hoey and Shane Lowry each recorded 66s to share the leading Irish honours. Hoey started with three birdies and produced a round without a five on his scorecard for the first time in his career.

Lowry birdied four of his closing seven holes in a 66, while Darren Clarke eagled his third hole to also shoot 66 and join 15 players in 20th place on nine under par. Simon Thornton (70) is at five under par, while Damien McGrane posted a 65 and 10 shots fewer than his first round.

Meanwhile Tiger Woods has been voted the PGA Tour’s player of the year for the 11th time.