NIALL HORAN is known in the golf world mainly for slipping over on live telly
while carrying
RORY McILROY’s clubs.
But not for long, as I can reveal the ONE DIRECTION singer has put his
solo music plans on hold to launch a player management firm. He aims to
become the game’s answer to movie sports agent Jerry Maguire, played by Tom
Cruise in the 1996 film of the same name.
The golf-mad star has already set up the agency, in his first career move
following 1D’s hiatus. It will seek out British and Irish talent with the
help of 1D’s management Modest — also making their first foray into sport.
The collaboration, named Modest Golf Management, also brings on board Mark
McDonnell, a former account manager at leading equipment brand TaylorMade. A
source said: “It’s well known Niall loves golf and has been learning from
the best out on tour with Rory. Now he wants to discover exciting new
players and give them his backing.
READ MORE:
Zayn
Malik admits new album features songs about ex-girlfriend Perrie Edwards
One
Direction reminisce over Zayn Malik as they wave goodbye in their ‘History’
music video
Zayn’s
World: Zayn Malik shocks fans with F-word and sex references in debut single
Pillowtalk
“Mark is an absolute legend in the industry and will help him with
endorsement. It’s early days but he’s committed.”
I revealed last week how HARRY STYLES had washed his hands of anything
to do with 1D when he quit Modest to be managed by close friend and top US
agent Jeffrey Azoff.
But Niall’s latest venture shows how loyal he is to the people who made him
famous.
The singer, who is also a fan of football, tennis and martial arts, will now
be hoping to boost his £25million 1D fortune by turning his love of golf
into a business.
He has already put in the graft to learn about life on tour. He was caddying
for Northern Irish world No2 Rory in the Par 3 tournament before last
April’s US Masters when he had his comedy slip — and has since supported his
pal at competitions around the world.
He even enjoys the odd round with Rory and claimed at the BBC Sports
Personality of the Year Awards in December that he was “two up” on the champ
— adding: “It’s been a good year in sport for me.”
Now 2016 looks set to get even better.