McIlroy and former management company ordered into mediation

A High Court judge today ordered the world’s number one golfer Rory McIlroy and his former management company, Horizon Sports Management, to engage in peace talks over the next four weeks.

McIlroy’s legal battle with Horizon also involves the affairs of his Ryder Cup team mate Graeme McDowell and Mr Justice Brian McGovern said it involved such sensitive matters that the sides should engage in mediation.

Barrister Rossa Fanning, counsel for McIlroy, stressed to the court today that Mr McIlroy had no issue with Mr McDowell but undoubtedly in the run-up to the competition, which begins on September 23rd, the worlds top golfer will have to consult with his legal team about the new developments. During an application today for discovery of a new tranche of documents, many relating to Graeme McDowell’s contractual relationship with Horizon, the judge said some issues were so sensitive as to make the case highly suitable for mediation. The court granted limited discovery of documents.

Judge McGovern told lawyers for both sides that the court had the power to stay the proceedings for not more than 28 days to allow consideration of mediation or arbitration to take place. He said he would not bar progress of the case, which is due to be heard on February 3rd next, but would direct that the parties engage in mediation over the next 28 days.

“Is this not a case that is made for mediation?” he asked Mr Fanning, for McIlroy, and Ciaran Lewis for Horizon and two related defendants. “The case has all sorts of sensitivities involving two players on tour, a manager of one of them and a former manager or agent of the other. It has all sorts of complex issues involving relationship matters,” the judge said.

Judge McGovern said: “It seems to me to be a case made for the mediation process.”

Mr Fanning said mediation had not been considered as the parties had seen the case from totally different aspects. He said he did not have instructions to respond directly to the court’s remarks but would relay them to his client.

“I hear what the court has said and when a judge makes such a suggestion it is always incumbent upon us as barristers to bring that to the attention of our client,” Mr Fanning said.

Click here for full golf story and golf news source