McIlroy splits from agent Chandler after 4 years
Published: October 21, 2011 AP
Paul Childs/Action Images/ZUMAPRESS.com
Rory McIlroy, right, had been with Chubby Chandler since turning pro.
LONDON (AP) — U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy split from agent Chubby Chandler on Friday to join Ryder Cup partner Graeme McDowell at a Dublin management company.
The 22-year-old Northern Irishman had been represented by Chandler's International Sports Management since turning professional in 2007. McIlroy will now be affiliated with Horizon.
"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 said in a statement.
ISM said it took "great pride ... in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional golfer."
McIlroy, ranked No. 3, thanked Chandler for his "guidance, representation and management."
"Chubby and his team have played a very important role in my success to date," he said. "I have made great progress under their management and for that I will always be grateful."