Rory Mcllroy is Snapped Up by Dublin-Based Management Group after Leaving ISM

US Open champion Rory Mcllroy has left Chubby Chandler’s International Sports Management Group (ISM) instead signing with Irish-based Horizon Sports Management.

The Dublin-based sports group run by Conor Ridge is already employed by one former US Open champion, countryman Greame McDowell.

ISM released a statement that read: “International Sports Management and Rory McIlroy have ended their association after four years. It has been an honour representing Rory and we take great pride in the role ISM has played in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional golfer.

“Under our management he has grown into an international figure and he leaves us as a Major Champion. ISM prides itself on putting the athlete first. In golf this has enabled our players to achieve unprecedented success with Rory joining Louis Oosthuizen (Former British Open champion), Charl Schwartzel (Masters champion) and Darren Clarke (Current British Open champion)  as a major winners and Lee Westwood at the summit of the World Rankings.

“ISM continues to go from strength to strength, its dedicated team of professionals providing our clients with world class support across the globe. We look forward to even more success in the years ahead.”

Chubby Chandler, ISM’s managing director, said: “Onward and upwards. We have had a quite brilliant year. The company is growing and adapting to ensure it stays at the forefront of golf and the business of managing players. We wish Rory every success.”

McIlroy joined ISM straight out of the amateur ranks after turning professional following the 2007 Walker Cup. The partnership was a natural fit for the Northern Irish phenomenon, because countryman Darren Clarke plays such a huge role in the ISM stable.

McIlroy still has major contracts brokered by ISM, including Jumeirah Estates in Dubai, Titleist and Audemars Piguet, to name a few. These contracts will remain in place even while McIlroy is with Horizon.

Besides McDowell, Horizon also represents Northern Ireland players Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin, as well as England’s Ross Fisher.