Red nose day for petulant Rory as McIlroy goes it alone after sacking management

By DEREK LAWRENSON FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 18:42 EDT, 22 May 2013 | Updated: 18:42 EDT, 22 May 2013

Rory McIlroy must love Sergio Garcia. What a wonderful day to bury bad news.

There was the world No 2, looking distinctly uncomfortable as he beat about the bush regarding the contractual difficulties that prevent him talking about the fact he’s fired his manager and is striking out on his own. On another day, it might have dominated the agenda. On this one, few cared.

With no information forthcoming either from the scorned management group Horizon, it has been left to Graeme McDowell to shed some light.

Going it alone: World No 2 Rory McIlroy has sacked his management firm

That, in turn, has led to testiness between the two mates. Asked on Tuesday for some insight on his managerial situation, McIlroy snapped: ‘Ask G-Mac.’

McIlroy was more conciliatory on Wednesday, but he is plainly fed up that much of the talk about him yet again concerns something other than his golf.

Asked about it on Sky Sports, he replied: ‘A smart man told me if you join the circus you have to put up with the clowns.’ 

Whatever could he mean by that? ‘Think about it,’ said Rory, later.

I’ve thought about it. Perhaps we should turn up today wearing red noses.

All smiles: McIlroy was with former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss (right) at Wentworth

Britain's best: Strauss, McIlroy and England rugby star Chris Robshaw (left)