McIlroy parts with ISM

World number three and US Open champion Rory McIlroy has ended his association with management company International Sports Management.

The 22-year-old Northern Irishman, golf's brightest young talent, had been with the company from the time he turned professional in 2007.

Manager Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler also handles the careers of world number two Lee Westwood, Open champion Darren Clarke, Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and three-time major winner Ernie Els.

The split was announced two days after McIlroy competed against Clarke, Schwartzel and US PGA champion Keegan Bradley at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda. He led by three with 12 holes to play but fell away to a 75 and to third place, three behind Schwartzel and four behind winner Bradley.

Chandler, who was in attendance, commented in the company's statement: "Onward and upwards. We have had a quite brilliant year.

"The company is growing and adapting to ensure it stays at the forefront of golf and the business of managing players. We wish Rory every success."

The statement also said: "It has been an honour representing Rory and we take great pride in the role ISM has played in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional golfer. Under our management he has grown into an international figure and he leaves us as a major champion.

"ISM prides itself on putting the athlete first. In golf this has enabled our players to achieve unprecedented success with Rory joining Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Darren Clarke as a major winner and Lee Westwood at the summit of the world rankings.

"ISM continues to go from strength to strength, its dedicated team of professionals providing our clients with world-class support across the globe. We look forward to even more success in the years ahead."

McIlroy had yet to comment either in person, in a statement or via his Twitter site.