Rory McIlroy insists looming court case will not be a distraction over coming season

World No 1 alleges he was coaxed into signing an 'unconscionable contract' stipulating 'excessive commissions'

McIlroy earned £27m in prize-money and endorsements last year (Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy insists the looming court battle with his former management company will not derail his Masters challenge that could see him join the game’s greats in April.

McIlroy, who kicks off his year at the HSBC Champions in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, will appear in a Dublin court next month, the prime mover in a multimillion Euro dispute with Horizon in a case scheduled to begin on 3 February.

“I’ve literally not thought about it since whenever I last had to talk to someone about it,” McIlroy said. “I just go with the lawyers and they tell me to just sit tight and not talk much about it. Why would it [distract me]? It’s no big deal.”

McIlroy, who signed two contracts with Horizon after leaving Chubby Chandler’s ISM organisation in 2011, alleges he was coaxed into signing an “unconscionable contract” stipulating “excessive commissions”. Horizon denies this and is counter-suing for unpaid commissions and fees.

McIlroy, who earned £7m in prize-money last year in addition to the £20m he banked in endorsements, is past worrying about the economic consequences of losing. What is incalculable, however, is the potentially damaging impact of a dispute that will reveal the inner workings of McIlroy Inc and disclose details of the commercial arrangements with his sponsors, ordinarily closely guarded information. The judge advised both parties to settle, but a period of mediation failed.

Defeat could leave McIlroy £10m out of pocket, but he is not troubled by the prospect. “I just have to get up and tell the truth,” McIlroy said.