World’s No 1 golfer Rory McIlroy settles case for £13 million plus costs

HOLYWOOD wonder kid Rory McIlroy has chipped in £13 million plus costs to settle a dispute with his former agent.

The world’s number one golfer had been suing Horizon Sports Management in a multi-million pound wrangle.

The period under dispute coincided with McIlroy’s sponsorship deal with Nike, said to be worth about £66 million.

The case was due to run today but negotiations continued well into last night in a bid to find a 19th hole resoution.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the two parties said the legal dispute had been “settled to the satisfaction of both parties”.

“We wish each other well for the future. The parties will be making no further comment,” the statement said.

McIlroy was not in court in Dublin when the settlement was announced.

The golfer had complained that fees charged by Horizon were excessive. The Dublin firm counter-sued for outstanding fees, alleging breaches of contract.

McIlroy’s senior counsel Paul Gallagher told Judge Brian Cregan that the case had been settled.

The judge congratulated both parties wishing them success for the future.

Horizon boss Connor Ridge was in court for the announcement.

He breathed a big sigh of relief when the case was officially settled.

The High Court in Dublin was told that the row had been resolved following last-ditch negotiations between the star’s lawyers, advisers and Conor Ridge.

The terms of the settlement were not detailed in court. But a source close to the case said the settlement was “far north” of $20m.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Paul Gallagher, senior counsel for McIlroy, told the court: “The entire matter has been resolved.”