Rory McIlroy settles dispute with Oakley “amicably”

Rory McIlroy has settled a legal dispute with his former sponsor, American sportswear company Oakley, the golfer said yesterday without disclosing the terms of the deal.

A sponsorship switch to Nike last January by the former world number one prompted Oakley to launch legal action to try to retain its sponsorship deal, saying it had the right to match any improved agreement with another company.

“The legal claims brought by Oakley against Rory McIlroy in California have been amicably settled to the satisfaction of both parties,” a statement released on behalf of McIlroy said.

“I am delighted the case is now behind me,” McIlroy was quoted as saying.

McIlroy said earlier this month that his legal worries had weighed on him during a disappointing season.

In September he terminated his contract with Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management to form his own management company and the acrimonious split has also reached the courts.

“We are very pleased the proceedings against Rory have been resolved,” Pat McIlvain of Oakley said in the same statement.

“We enjoyed an excellent relationship with Rory as an Oakley brand ambassador.

“He conducted all his engagements on our behalf with energy and professionalism.

“We recognise that, in his business dealings with us that were the subject matter of this dispute, Rory was represented by his agent.”