Rory McIlroy settles legal dispute

• World No.1 settles legal battle with former managers
• BBC reports figure agreed is £15m plus costs
• McIlroy free to now focus on Masters

Rory McIlroy has settled his long-running legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management.

The world No.1 had been suing his former management firm for charging him excessive fees during the brief period that they worked together.

In return, the Dublin-based company brought a counter-suit against the Northern Irishman for outstanding fees, alleging breaches of contract.

After previous attempts to resolve the matter through mediation failed, the matter arrived at the High Court in Dublin yesterday, where it a trial spanning six to eight weeks was expected to unfold.

However, after several adjournments yesterday, the case resumed this morning, where it was quickly revealed that a settlement had been agreed.

The BBC is reporting that the figure agreed between the parties is £15m plus costs.

“The legal dispute between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sport Management has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties.”

In a joint statement, Rory McIlroy – who did not appear in court when the settlement was announced – and Horizon Sports Management did not specify the terms of the agreement.

Instead, they said: “The legal dispute between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sport Management has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties. We wish each other well for the future. The parties will be making no further comment.”

According to Ewan Murray of The Guardian, who is in Dublin covering the case, McIlroy ‘didn’t leave the court building until 9pm’ last night – a sign of the efforts being made to resolve the matter swiftly and away from the glare of the courtroom.

From McIlroy’s point of view, settling the case can surely only be a good thing as it allows him to now focus all of his attentions on completing the career grand slam at The Masters in April.

Had the case gone the distance and lasted the eight weeks predicted, it would likely have concluded the week before the opening major of the season.

The 25-year-old’s next scheduled tournament appearance is the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, beginning February 26.

Rory McIlroy :: Can he complete the career grand slam this year?

With the distraction of his legal battle with Horizon Sports Management now taken care of, do you think Rory McIlroy will complete the career grand slam by winning The Masters this year? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor