McIlroy Gets New Agent

Bloomberg reports that U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy has left his agents at International Sports Management and joined Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management.

The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland, ranked No. 3 in the world, had been with ISM and manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler since becoming a pro in 2007.

"Chubby and his team have played a very important role in my success to date," McIlroy said in a statement. "I have made great progress under their management and for that I will always be grateful.

"I am now keen to move onto the next stage of my career and I feel this will be facilitated by a fresh view and a new structure around me," McIlroy added.

ISM issued its own statement, which said in part, "We take great pride in the role ISM has played in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional. Under our management he has grown into an international figure and he leaves us as a major champion."

It's not the first time one of ISM's star players has left the fold for Horizon. McIlroy will join friend and fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion who made the change in agents in 2007, and Ryder Cup teammate Ross Fisher of England at the company.

Chandler's firm still manages three major winners in the past two years - Darren Clarke (2011 British Open), Charl Schwartzel (2011 Masters) and Louis Oosthuizen (2010 British Open) - along with No. 2-ranked Lee Westwood.

"Onward and upward," Chandler said. "We have had quite a 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."

For the full report, visit http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-21/u-s-open-champ-rory-mcilroy-leaves-ism-chandler-for-horizon.html.

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