Rory McIlroy will reportedly leave his Dublin based management company, Horizon Sports, with plans to set up his own management company. The new set-up would see McIlroy surround himself with a team comprised of family and friends.

The Irish Independent reported on the move this morning, with Karl Mcginty reporting that McIlroy has made the decision based on a desire to control his own affairs, while his father Gerry will take a prominent role in the new operation.

Conor Ridge, founder and owner of Horizon, responded to questions on the story, saying: "We simply do not comment on industry rumours or speculation.

Horizon Sports Management always has and always will give first priority to the confidentiality of its clients."
As recently as last weekend McIlroy fully denied he was leaving Horizon.

It is reported that McIlroy wants to model his management structure on the style used by Roger Federer and Linoel Messi, whereby he is in control of all of his own affairs, with close family and friends as his team.

McIlroy joined Horizon just 18 months ago, then leaving IGM, who he had been with for 4 years. In those 18 months McIlroy and Horizon secured the biggest sports endorsement deal in history, the $250m deal with Nike that saw McIlroy take the US sports clothing giant as his kit and clubs supplier for 10 years.