What’s wrong with Rory? By Shaili Chopra

First it was ISM Sports Management, now Rory McIlroy is going to leave Dublin-based Horizon Sport Management and set up his own management company (possibly run by his dad) that will consist of family, friends (girl friend?), close confidants and more.

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Tiger’s comeback has hit him hard. Professionally and personally says Shaili Chopra

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Is this just another publicity gig? Why is Rory going back and forth on things so often? Is the lackadaisical game reflecting on knee jerk decisions? What was the need for this ‘management firm’ to come about right now? What they need to manage is young Rory’s game and impatience so he can get back to the front row.

Hard to forget the high drama surrounding Rory over the last two years. One wonders if his actions promise to have just a loud roar than a solid bite. Of late the professional golfer has lost his stardom, rubbed off some bad luck and got a heavy dose of awkward publicity. Of course he has a habit of ‘stunning’ people.

He shocked everyone when he quit giant International Sports Management, run by Chubby Chandler. He’s stunned Horizon now with this new story. He shocked fans at the Honda Classic by walking off the course and later regretting it. He made headlines for a $250 mn Nike deal but ended up using his Scotty Cameron putting in the middle east at tournament. Where is the professional Rory? Where is the nimbleness in his game? Why do we need to consume Rory as an ‘industry’ now and not as the passionate, cold-playing golfer?

Tiger’s comeback has hit him hard. Professionally and personally. For some time Rory was scorching the media charts. Whether it was his game or cosy images with girlfriend Wozniacki. But Tiger’s comeback has cost Rory much more than just golf. With Lindsay Vonn on the horizon, red carpet walks, smiling and ’emotionally stable’ times and of course Tiger’s four wins in five months have all hurt Rory’s image and prospects. And this despite the mega $250 mn deal with Nike. Not like people were waiting to jump to a clichéd conclusion but it’s hard to believe all the starry distractions and money haven’t got to Rory’s game or even attitude.

Do hope for his fans, there will be some respite. Some seriousness. Some solid headlines. Some real golf.

Shaili Chopra is an award winning journalist who is passionate about golf