South African Mike Todd lost his job after a company merger. He brokered just two deals for the 18-year-old Hampshire golfer in the six months looking after his business affairs since Rose sprang to worldwide recognition at The Open.

Todd's position has looked in jeopardy ever since his employers, Carnegie Sports International owned by Rangers chief David Murray, linked up with the London-based Parallel Media Group to form Parallel Murray Management.

Now Todd, who also looked after England World Cup hero David Carter and Kiwi President's Cup star Greg Turner among others, has been told his services are no longer required.

Rose will now be handled by family friend Nick Green, an executive with Parallel and responsible for the business interests of Per-Ulrik Johansson, the Swedish Ryder Cup player.

Walker Cup hero Rose, who turned professional immediately after finishing fourth at Royal Birkdale, and his parents were informed of the decision.

Father Ken, who was used as a business consultant by Carnegie, had no problems agreeing to Green, a member of the same North Hants club, taking overall control of his son's interests.

Green will be with Rose in South Africa today at the Alfred Dunhill PGA Championship.

The teenager is playing under a sponsor's invitation - a situation he will have to employ throughout the season having failed to earn his Tour card at the qualifying school.

Parallel Murray declined to comment on Todd's departure other than to confirm that Green was now in charge of the company's player interests.

Rose has found it extremely difficult adjusting to the paid ranks and is this week seeking to make his first halfway cut since turning professional.

In seven starts after The Open when he needed to make more than £50,000 to secure automatic playing rights, the cheerful youngster did not earn a penny in official money.

His only pay cheque came when he won the pro-am before the Dutch Open, but that £900 did not qualify for the money list.

Much interest was shown in Rose immediately after The Open, when his chip-in at the last was considered one of the greatest shots of the season, but opportunities faded as he failed to make an impact among the big boys.

Club newcomers Zevo asked if it could entice Rose into playing its product, but backed off when quoted a £1million price.

Maxfli successfully negotiated the first deal with Rose to play its ball three months after he became professional and Taylor-Made recently signed him on a club and hat deal.

Both contracts are believed to be low budget, but offering high incentives.

In an unrelated agreement, Parallel Murray has succeeded in convincing Ryder Cup star Sam Torrance to complete the rest of his contract with it rather than move to International Sports Management, which looks after Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke

TW 14/1/99