Rory McIlroy to take Leave from Golf and Focus on Court Case

Rory McIlroy has announced he won't be appearing at the BMW Masters or the WGC HSBC Champions in order to prepare for his upcoming legal battle with the golfer's former management company, Horizon.

The World Number One has decided on a self-imposed break ahead of the February court case stating, "I'm going to need time away from tournament golf to prepare for the trial over my legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management. The court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue."

McIlroy is hoping to continue the momentum from his stunning finish to last season, when the 25-year-old claimed the final two majors of the year.

This latest blow to the Nike golfer means he will be missing the two events in China due to take place in the next few weeks. But whether or not it will continue to be an issue moving into the New Year remains to be seen.

On a lighter McIlroy note, check out master carver Joey Burn's attempt at transforming the golfer's image into a jack-o-lantern for Pumpkinfest at Castle Ward in Ireland.