Leading off: Rory v. horizon

Rory McIlroy may be forced to change his schedule for the start of next season as it now looks almost certain that the world No. 1 will be required to take the stand in a Dublin court. McIlroy had expressed his hope that mediation between his team of lawyers and those acting for his former management company, Horizon, would produce a resolution in their legal dispute, which could end up costing the 25-year-old millions. But the Commercial Court heard on Monday that the talks had not been successful and so the case will proceed to full trial early next year. McIlroy is scheduled to play twice in the United Arab Emirates in January and begin his PGA Tour schedule at the Honda Classic beginning Feb. 26. An exact date for trial has yet to be set, but reports in Ireland suggest that McIlroy could spend up to two weeks on the stand. McIlroy initiated the proceedings against the Dublin agency almost a year ago, saying he had been coaxed into signing an “unconscionable contract” that stipulated “excessive commissions.” That move came days after he had officially split with Horizon and formed his own company, Rory McIlroy Inc. McIlroy signed a US$100-million, five-year contract with Nike while with Horizon. Horizon has countersued for loss of commissions paid and for future commissions, which could run into the tens of millions. The Daily Telegraph