Shane Lowry shakes hands with Rory McIlroy after the second round of the Irish Open at Carton House. Picture: Fran Caffrey / www.golffile.ieShane Lowry insists that he’s still pals with former stablemate Rory McIlroy despite the Holywood star’s decision to ditch Horizon Sports Management and sue manager Conor Ridge.

McIlroy’s bust up with Horizon Sports Management is scheduled for a high profile legal battle in the Commercial Court next October.

But despite his friendship with Horizon boss Ridge, Lowry says his friendship with his former stablemate McIlroy remains intact.

Speaking from Turkey yesterday, Lowry denied there is any awkwardness between them, explaining: “No, not at all. I have fully refused to comment on anything since it all started. 

“Me and Rory are just the same. I hung out with him a bit in Shanghai a couple of weeks ago and it is all good. 

“As I said, I haven’t commented on it all year and I am not going to this time either. 

“Rory s playing well. I heard a few reports this week from a few of the lads who played with him in the HSBC Champions. 

“Justin Rose said he is hitting it 50 yards past him. He is obviously back playing well and hitting it long again, hitting his driver. I can definitely see him doing well in the near future.”