Rory McIlroy is sidelined as trial looms

RORY McIlroy has pulled out of the first two events in the European Tour’s ‘Final Series’ after admitting he needs to spend time preparing for the trial with his former management company.

Rory McIlroy announced will no longer be playing in the BMW Masters or the WGC-HSBC Champions. Picture: JP

The world No 1 announced last night that he will no longer be playing in either the BMW Masters or the WGC-HSBC Champions, both being staged in the coming few weeks in China. His next appearance, therefore, will be the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai at the end of November.

It follows a failed attempt between McIlroy’s team of lawyers and those acting for his former management company, Horizon Sports, to resolve their legal dispute, which could end up 
costing the 25-year-old millions.

The Commercial Court in Dublin heard yesterday that the negotiations had not been successful and so the case will proceed to full trial early next year.

“I’m going to need time away from tournament golf to prepare for the trial over my legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management,” said McIlroy. “The court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue.”

An exact date for the trial has yet to be set, but it is believed that McIlroy could spend a 
fortnight in the stand.

The four-times major winner is due to play in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship on 15-18 January then the Dubai Desert Classic a fortnight later. His next start is scheduled to be the Honda Classic in West Palm Beach, his adopted home in Florida, towards the end of February.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods – who had back surgery last March – has started to hit balls again as he bids to return in time for the Hero World Challenge, the event that benefits his foundation, in December.