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Events and Attractions

Rory McIlroy Pulls Out Of Two Tournaments To Focus On Lawsuit

Rory McIlroy "has pulled out of two tournaments in China to prepare for a lawsuit against his former management company that could affect his preparations for the Masters in April," according to Mark Cue of the LONDON TIMES. The world No. 1 issued a statement "to explain that a mediation process to resolve his dispute with the Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management 'failed over the weekend.'" With a hearing expected to take place in February, he "will now miss this week’s BMW Masters and next week’s HSBC Champions event, both in Shanghai, to prepare for the case." McIlroy: "I’m going to need time away from golf to prepare for the trial." Reports suggested that the 25-year-old "could be required in court in Ireland for about two weeks, which could throw his preparations for Augusta into chaos" (LONDON TIMES, 10/21). In London, Ewan Murray reported McIlroy's withdraw "marks a serious blow to the BMW Masters and WGC HSBC Champions events." The case between McIlroy and Horizon "has been running for a year, with the player suing the Dublin-based firm on the alleged basis he was coaxed into signing an 'unconscionable contract' which included 'excessive commissions.'" Horizon "is countersuing by claiming breach of contract and loss of commissions against McIlroy, who was to set up his own management firm, Rory McIlroy Inc." When signed to Horizon, McIlroy "agreed an equipment deal with Nike" worth $100M (GUARDIAN, 10/20). Also in London, James Corrigan wrote McIlroy "has stunned golf." His absence "will hit the European Tour hard, as well as Chinese golf." McIlroy "would have received sizeable appearance fees to play in both the Shanghai events" (TELEGRAPH, 10/20). In a separate piece, Corrigan commented the lawyers "will be the big winners and golf will be the biggest loser." We "can already be certain of that." We "can only pray that a late deal is struck and McIlroy, and, indeed, golf, does not have to go through this humiliating experience." Details "will emerge, his riches will be raked over and the full scale of what many will consider to be the obscene economy of professional golf will become apparent" (TELEGRAPH, 10/21).

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