Rory McIlroy, one of golf’s most celebrated athletes and a five-time major champion, draws a surprising comparison to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer from his former agent, Andrew “Chubby” Chandler.
Chandler managed McIlroy from his professional debut in 2007 until their split in October 2011. The golfer departed International Sports Management (ISM), feeling misguided in his career path, and briefly joined Horizon Sports Management alongside fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell for two years.
Need to Step Back from the Spotlight
Chandler predicts McIlroy can claim double-digit majors but urges him to limit public appearances. The Northern Irish star frequently voices opinions on hot topics, especially the LIV Golf disruption.
Speaking recently, Chandler advised: “Rory talks too much, but he’s an absolute gift for the media. If he gets a microphone in his hands, he’s a liability in terms of saying anything. He’s more of a liability than the Prime Minister.”
He added that McIlroy often retracts statements, including personal matters like his marriage, after initial outbursts. “For a while, he was unbelievable. Everything he said, he had to go back and apologise for a month later,” Chandler noted. “Rory just needs to calm down a bit—he thought he was saving the game at one stage but he just talked too much.”
Chandler understands the pressure: “When you’re Rory McIlroy and you constantly have a microphone in front of you, it’s very difficult to refuse it.”
Recent Form and Injury Concerns
After completing the career grand slam with his Masters victory last year, McIlroy struggled with motivation. He bounced back with a strong Irish Open win and team triumph at the Ryder Cup in New York.
In 2026, the world number two shows promising flashes but faces uncertainty at The Players Championship due to a nagging back issue as he defends his Masters title next month.
Bold Predictions Amid Scheffler Rivalry
Chandler expects McIlroy to secure five more majors, reaching 10 total. “Rory should play a bit more freely. It shouldn’t be life and death,” he said. “My guess is that he’ll win another five majors. I don’t think he’ll get to 15, but I think he’ll get to 10.”
At 36, McIlroy has about six prime years left, offering 24 major opportunities. Yet Chandler factors in Scottie Scheffler’s dominance: “You would think Scottie is going to win at least six of them.”
He draws parallels to Ernie Els and Lee Westwood, who faltered against Tiger Woods’ peak. “It’s a similar situation now; it’s easy to say Rory might win a certain number of majors, but if he’s consistently going head-to-head with Scottie Scheffler, he won’t win as many.”
