Graeme McDowell denies Rory McIlroy influence

Graeme McDowell has denied suggestions that he influenced Rory McIlroy to change management companies.

McIlroy recently parted with ISM before he signed a contract with Dublin-based Horizon Sports, whose clients include McDowell.

"Rory's a very intelligent man, he's got to make his own decisions about his career and I certainly would never want to get involved in a guy's career like that," McDowell told Sky Sports News.

"Rory's going to be one of the best players in the world, if not the best, he's going to win a lot of major championships and never would I want to get involved in a guy's business decision like that.

"I really have no idea what went wrong within the ISM camp but we're very excited to have him at Horizon Sports and I'm very happy to have a friend, and a friendly rivalry, within the camp."

McDowell is currently competing in the Andalucia Masters.