McIlroy to set up his own management group

[May 17, 2013]  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Two-time major champion Rory McIlroy is leaving Horizon Sports Management to set up his own management group.

A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that McIlroy will build his new company with his father, close friends and associates. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because McIlroy has not discussed the change.

It will be the second time in 18 months that McIlroy has changed management. He left Chubby Chandler at International Sports Management in October 2011 after winning the U.S. Open. Horizon recently has negotiated major sponsorship deals with Nike, Bose and Omega.

Conor Ridge at Horizon Sports declined comment Friday morning. McIlroy is to play next week in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Irish Independent first reported that McIlroy was leaving.

[Associated Press; By DOUG FERGUSON]

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