Rory McIlroy has ended his association with management company International Sports Management and Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler.
The 22-year-old, golf's brightest young talent and current world number three, had been with Chandler's company from the time he turned professional in 2007 but has now joined Horizon Sports Management which also boasts his fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell.
McIlroy leaves a stable which includes Open hero Darren Clarke, Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, world number two Lee Westwood and three-time major winner Ernie Els.
The announcement came just days after McIlroy competed against Clarke, Schwartzel and US PGA champion Keegan Bradley at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda.
He led that event by three shots with 12 holes to play, but fell away to a 75 and to third place three behind Schwartzel and four behind winner Bradley.
Onwards and upwards
Chandler said: "Onward and upwards. We have had a quite brilliant year. The company is growing and adapting to ensure it stays at the forefront of golf and the business of managing players. We wish Rory every success.
"It has been an honour representing Rory and we take great pride in the role ISM has played in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional golfer.
"Under our management he has grown into an international figure and he leaves us as a major champion."
McIlroy had yet to comment either in person, in a statement or via his Twitter site.
The Northern Irishman is currently heading to China for next week's
Shanghai Masters which offers golf's richest first prize of £1.25million despite not being part of any official tour.
