McIlroy’s lawyer denies golfer hid data

DUBLIN — Rory McIlroy, the world’s No 1 golfer, was not involved in any conspiracy surrounding his split from his agent, his lawyer said, after accusations that he deleted material from his phone to hide information.

McIlroy is suing Horizon Sports Management to end what he called an “unconscionable” contract that cost him US$6.8 million (S$8.9 million) in fees.

At a hearing on Wednesday in Dublin, Horizon lawyers alleged that McIlroy and three associates wiped data from their phones to conceal information related to the case. The allegations are set against a backdrop of an inherently implausible conspiracy theory, said Michael Cush, the golfer’s lawyer, in court. “It’s speculation and conjecture.”

Cush said there was nothing unusual in any of McIlroy’s actions with his phones. He had the means to purchase the latest model and liked to delete unwanted data when disposing of old phones to protect his privacy, Cush said.

Horizon is seeking court permission to inspect the devices and phone bills.

“We know there’s been significant destruction of data,” said Maurice Collins, lawyer for Horizon, in court.

“There was a promise to preserve information and that promise was broken.”

McIlroy, 25, said he had lacked legal advice and business experience, and had been too young when he signed the deal with the Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management on Dec 21, 2011, court documents filed last year showed.

Horizon lawyer Paul Sreenan said on Wednesday that US$9 million in fees is still owed to the company. The hearing continues.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH