Professional golfer Rory McIlroy and his former agents are set to engage in a mediation process to try and settle a bitter contractual dispute.

Mr McIlroy is suing Horizon Sports Management over claims he got a significantly inferior package to fellow golfer, Graeme McDowell.

The world number one signed a written contract with Horizon Sports Managment in December 2011 which was later renewed.

However, he claims those contracts are not binding because the deal was allegedly based on a misrepresentation that he would get the same terms as fellow golfer Graeme McDowell.

A full hearing is scheduled for next February - but today Mr Justice Brian McGovern directed the parties to engage in a mediation process to try settle their differences.

Referring to Mr McDowell the judge said it was unfortunate that his business, commercial and professional affairs have been canvassed in public when he is not a party to the legal proceedings.

Mediation talks are to take place in the next 28 days - realistically, after the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles next week.