Rory McIlroy's private jet may prove crucial to the golf star's potential title defence at next month's Masters. McIlroy has been battling a back injury in recent weeks that saw him withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this month.

The Northern Irishman made his comeback at The Players Championship last week, arriving on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before his tee time, having decided at the eleventh hour to fly to TPC Sawgrass after receiving treatment.

His T46 finish marked a disappointing end to his title defence. However, McIlroy is now focused on his rehabilitation and indicated he was keen to assess his physical condition after completing his final round at the Players.

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The 36-year-old did participate in TGL golf this week, where he was eliminated after Boston Common's loss to Jupiter Links GC. McIlroy has nevertheless admitted he will make a last-minute decision on whether to compete in any further tournaments ahead of the Masters next month, having claimed his first Augusta victory last year.

He's yet to confirm any further commitments until then, giving him a full three weeks of rest and recovery before the Masters starts on April 9. A factor that could guarantee he receives the maximum rehabilitation time is his ownership of a private jet, which the five-time major champion frequently uses to travel to tournaments.

Fans have tracked the golf icon’s personal 2022 Gulfstream G650ER in the past, for example, when it touched down in Augusta on March 24 last year before heading to Houston on the same day. The same aircraft means he can make a call as late as possible on whether he is fit enough to take part in the Masters.

McIlroy's aircraft of choice is the G650ER, which is among Gulfstream's most recognisable models. The G650ER has managed to set more than 125 world speed records and its design is a popular choice, with over 500 aircraft in operation. That makes it one of the most reliable business jets in the world, according to Gulfstream.

The Gulfstream G650ER has the capability to seat up to 19 passengers, depending on the configuration(Image: gulfstream.com)

Yet, purchasing the G650ER didn't come cheap for the PGA Tour star. Depending on the configuration, usage and model year, a pre-owned G650ER may cost anywhere between $40million (£30m) and over $60m (£45m), as reported by AVBuyer.com.

A brand-new model can cost an even higher sum of around $78m (£58m), though the price depends on the previously mentioned factors. McIlroy's aircraft reportedly set him back £38m.

But with this substantial investment comes unparalleled luxury, as the G650ER can accommodate between 13 and 16 passengers and offers the option of creating 3.5 to four onboard living areas.

Single passenger seats on the aircraft could be converted to beds, if the need arose(Image: gulfstream.com)

Certain versions of the plane also enable passengers to convert the individual seats into beds. The G650ER also features 16 panoramic oval windows, designed to bring natural light into the cabin for the comfort of its passengers.

Following The Players Championship, McIlroy provided an update on his back problems, saying: "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.

The Gulfstream G650ER has many options to help make a passenger's ride as comfortable as possible(Image: gulfstream.com)

"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."