Rory McIlroy prepares for a potential title defense at the upcoming Masters tournament, where his £38 million private jet plays a key role in managing a nagging back injury.
Recent Injury Setbacks and Comeback
McIlroy recently withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to back issues. He made a last-minute return at The Players Championship, arriving less than 24 hours before his tee time following treatment. Despite a T46 finish in his title defense, he prioritized assessing his physical condition.
The 36-year-old Northern Irish golfer also competed in TGL golf this week, where his team, Boston Common, lost to Jupiter Links GC. McIlroy plans last-minute decisions on any additional events before the Masters begins on April 9, allowing three weeks for rest and recovery.
Luxury Gulfstream G650ER Ownership
McIlroy owns a 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, a high-performance jet that holds over 125 world speed records. Fans have tracked the aircraft, including its landing in Augusta on March 24 last year before departing for Houston.
This reliable jet, with more than 500 in operation worldwide, accommodates 13 to 16 passengers. It features up to four onboard living areas, convertible seats into beds, and 16 panoramic oval windows for natural light and comfort.
Pre-owned G650ER models typically range from $40 million (£30 million) to over $60 million (£45 million), while new ones exceed $78 million (£58 million), depending on configuration and year. McIlroy’s jet offers flexibility for late decisions on Masters participation.
McIlroy’s Latest Health Update
After The Players Championship, McIlroy shared: “I haven’t really made a decision either way. I’ll see how my body feels. We’ll see how I feel in practice and at home and if I get itchy feet maybe I’ll add an event at some point. I feel like it was important to make the weekend here and play an extra couple of days.”
He added: “Just see how the next week goes, see how once I get back to a full practice schedule and in the gym and stuff like that, see how my body reacts to that … and then I’ll see. Happy I got through four days and my body feels good. I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn’t reflect it over the weekend. I hit the ball well. I just didn’t make anything on the greens. Happy to come through four rounds and feel like my body held up well.”
