The Ulsterman has decided to look after his own affairs…
Graeme McDowell has confirmed that he has decided to leave the Horizon Sports Management agency at the end of this year and will manage his own commercial interests going forward.
The Portrush man joined Horizon in 2007 and the move coincided with an upturn in his fortunes as broke into the top 100 in the world and went on to win a Major (US Open 2010) as well as representing Europe at three Ryder Cups.
McDowell released a statement on his Twitter explaining why he’s decided it’s time for a change.
“When I joined Horizon in November 2007, I was ranked outside the top 100 players in the world, and was seeking a new and energetic management team to help me achieve my career ambitions — both on and off the golf course.
“I am proud to say that in the intervening years, these ambitions have not only been achieved, but have surpassed my highest expectations.
“During my time with Horizon I have become a Major Champion, played in three successive Ryder Cups and won multiple tournaments around the world.
“In parallel with this, Horizon has helped me to establish a portfolio of global sponsors and corporate partners, with whom I will remain engaged into the future.
“Horizon has also played a key role in establishing and growing the G-MAC Foundation. Its continued work for children’s charitable causes in the years ahead will represent a legacy that the team at Horizon should be genuinely proud of.”
The news will come as a blow to Horizon who lost Rory McIlroy as a client in May. Those two parties are still involved in a legal battle after McIlroy claimed he signed with the agency “under undue influence” when he was 22-years-old and that he paid the agency over the norm in fees. Horizon have counter-sued McIlroy for €2.27 million in unpaid fees and damages.
McDowell was dragged into that case after McIlroy’s lawyers claimed that he was a shareholder in Horizon and was on better terms than Rory. McDowell admitted before the British Open that his relationship with McIlroy had changed.
“Yes, it’s been a strain on our relationship, no doubt about it. We’re not the same as we used to be and until the legal proceedings are over and done with, there’s always going to be that little bit of tension in the air.”
G-Mac’s departure from Horizon seems to be pretty amicable though if the statement is anything to go by.
“I would particularly like to thank Conor Ridge and the whole Horizon team for their vision, advice and commitment to my golf career and business affairs over the past seven years,” he said in a statement.
“Their integrity and professionalism are a mark of everything that Horizon represents. I look forward to their continued friendship and support in the years ahead.”
McDowell will miss this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship because his wife Kristin is due to give birth to their first child.
