Rory McIlroy says he still have respect and fond memories of Chubby Chandler’s ISM
US Open champion Rory McIlroy is breaking new grounds with a fresh perspective on almost everything in his life. His recent switch to Horizon Sports Management (HSM) after he bid farewell to the Chubby Chandler’s International Sports Management (ISM), McIlroy
insists that the decisions had nothing to do with ISM rather it was an outcome of his urge to bring change to his already fast changing career. The once “spoiled brat”, coined by the English media, has now grown up to realize that leaving on a good note is
often advisable than to leave with bitter feelings.
“For four years I felt Chubby was the best guy and ISM were fantastic for me, but sometimes to progress you need to have a fresh view on things. It's about me trying to play my best golf and that's all there is to it.” McIlroy said. “Chubby's been there
for me since day one and it was very difficult for me. I remain very close to him - it was a purely business decision and nothing personal at all.”
The surprise move by the world number three left many golf critics stunned and baffled as Chandler remains, by far, one of the most successful sports managers in the business. He not only managed McIlory but is still successfully managing Open Champion Darren
Clarke, world number two Lee Westwood and 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen.
The news hit the burly Chandler just when McIlroy was boarding plane to Bermuda for the PGA Grand Slam and he expressed his surprise to the sudden move of the Irishman. He lashed out at McIlroy’s new girlfriend Tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki
and alleged that she actually convinced McIlroy to switch lanes. Chandler was not able to provide any proof for the allegation and also revealed that McIlroy apparently also had problems with Chandler’s celebrity status. He often said that there was no point
for a manager to be addressing press conferences and speaking on behalf of the player he represents.
2010 US Open champion and countryman Graeme McDowell also spoke over the controversial issue a fortnight ago and tried to clear his name for the allegations that he convinced McIlroy to switch over to HSM. McDowell, also a former client of Chandler, changed
the management company some four years ago and signed in for the Dublin based HSM. Critics also see the move of both the players as purely nationalistic and the duo that have been known as close as kins, have opted to support the Irish based HSM rather than
the England based ISM. The two players have also been strong proponents of an Irish Open on the European Tour to be staged at Royal Portrush on permanent basis.
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