Rory McIlroy to take break from golf to focus on trial

Rory McIlroy has put the golf clubs away - at least competitively - for the coming month to focus on his legal battle with former agents Horizon Sports Management, following the failure of High Court directed mediation to resolve the dispute.

In changing his late-season schedule, the world number one has decided not to play in either next week's BMW Masters in Shanghai - the first tournament in the PGA European Tour's "Final Series" - or the following week's megabucks WGC-HSBC Champions tournament, also in China.

Whilst his absence will be a huge blow to the sponsors of both events, McIlroy - who won't reappear on tour until the end-of-season DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on November 20th-23rd, where he will secure the Race to Dubai title for topping the money list on the European Tour - felt he had to put the trial, scheduled for February, ahead of playing.

In a statement issued tonight through Dublin-based The Communications Clinic, McIlroy said: "I'm going to need time away from tournament golf to prepare for the trial over my legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management. The court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue."

McIlroy, who won back-to-back Majors this season when capturing the claret jug at the British Open and the Wanamaker Trophy at the US PGA to bring his career total to four Major titles, last played at the Dunhill Links championship in Scotland the week after the Ryder Cup, when he played a key role in Europe retaining the trophy.

Up to now, McIlroy has managed to separate his legal proceedings - following his decision to split with Horizon and set up his own management company Rory McIlroy Inc - and his on course performances have seen him become the most dominant and marketable player in global golf with a portfolio of sponsors that ensures his off-course earnings dwarf anything he earns playing.

Prior to the Ryder Cup, Judge Brian McGovern had requested the two sides enter mediation to resolve their differences but talks held over the weekend failed and have led McIlroy to make the decision not to play in either of the $8 million-plus tournaments. McIlroy intends to resume playing in Dubai, possibly followed by closing out his season in defence of his Australian Open title.