Rory McIlroy's Former Agent Draws Surprising Comparison to Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Rory McIlroy, the celebrated five-time major champion and one of the world's most popular athletes, has been unexpectedly compared to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer by his former agent, Andrew "Chubby" Chandler. In a candid interview, Chandler described McIlroy as a "liability" when given a microphone, drawing a parallel to the political leader.
Background of the Agent-Golfer Relationship
Chandler managed McIlroy from the golfer's professional debut in 2007 until their separation in October 2011. McIlroy departed Chandler's International Sports Management (ISM) agency, feeling he was being guided in an unsuitable direction. The Northern Irish star then joined Horizon Sports Management, aligning with fellow countryman Graeme McDowell, though that partnership lasted only two years.
Chandler's Critique of McIlroy's Public Persona
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Chandler expressed confidence in McIlroy's ability to achieve double-digit major victories but urged him to occasionally retreat from the spotlight. He highlighted McIlroy's tendency to use media platforms to voice opinions, particularly during the emergence of LIV Golf, which disrupted the traditional golf landscape.
Chandler remarked: "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 elaborated that McIlroy often had to apologise for statements made publicly, including comments about his marriage, and suggested the golfer believed he was "saving the game" at one point. Chandler advised McIlroy to "calm down a bit," acknowledging the difficulty of refusing media opportunities when constantly in demand.
McIlroy's Recent Form and Challenges
Following his Masters victory last year, which completed the career grand slam, McIlroy admitted to struggling with motivation in the subsequent months. He regained form with a win at the Irish Open and contributed to team success at the Ryder Cup in New York. However, in 2026, McIlroy has shown only flashes of brilliance, with a back issue potentially affecting his participation in The Players Championship.
Future Major Predictions and Competition
Chandler remains optimistic about McIlroy's future, predicting he could win up to ten majors total. He noted, "Rory should play a bit more freely. It shouldn't be life and death. My guess is that he'll win another five majors. I don't think he'll get to 15 majors, but I think he'll get to 10."
However, Chandler tempered expectations by pointing to the dominance of world number one Scottie Scheffler, drawing an analogy to Ernie Els and Lee Westwood's struggles during Tiger Woods' prime. He explained that if McIlroy consistently faces Scheffler in major tournaments, his victory count might be limited, as Scheffler could claim several titles himself.
Chandler concluded by emphasising McIlroy's age—36—and estimating he has about six prime years left, offering 24 opportunities to win majors, but cautioned that competition will be fierce.
