Rory McIlroy’s private jet plays a key role in his preparation for defending his Masters title next month. The golfer battles a back injury that forced his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this month.

Recent Tournament Return and Recovery Focus

McIlroy returned at The Players Championship last week. He arrived Wednesday, less than 24 hours before tee time, after last-minute treatment. His T46 finish ended his title defense disappointingly. Now, he prioritizes rehabilitation and plans to evaluate his condition post-round.

The 36-year-old competed in TGL golf this week but exited after Boston Common’s defeat to Jupiter Links GC. He will decide at the last minute on additional events before the Masters on April 9, securing three weeks for rest.

Private Jet Enables Flexible Scheduling

Ownership of a private jet ensures maximum recovery time for the five-time major winner. Fans track his 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, spotted in Augusta last March 24 before flying to Houston. This allows late decisions on Masters fitness.

The G650ER, a top Gulfstream model, holds over 125 world speed records. Over 500 operate worldwide, marking it as highly reliable. Pre-owned versions range from $40 million (£30m) to over $60 million (£45m), while new ones reach $78 million (£58m), varying by configuration.

McIlroy’s jet cost £38m and seats 13 to 16 passengers. It offers 3.5 to four living areas, convertible seats into beds, and 16 panoramic oval windows for natural light.

McIlroy’s Post-Players Championship Update

After the event, 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. 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.”