Rory McIlroy's private jet could have an important role to play in the golf star's potential title defence at next month's Masters. McIlroy in recent weeks has been grappling with a back injury which forced him to pull out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this month.

The Northern Irishman returned to action at The Players Championship last week, arriving on Wednesday, just under 24 hours before his tee time, having made a late decision to travel to TPC Sawgrass after receiving treatment. His T46 finish marked a disappointing end to his title defence. But McIlroy is now continuing his recovery and said he was keen to assess his physical condition after his final round at the Players. The 36-year-old did go on to take part in TGL golf this week, which he was knocked out of following Boston Common's defeat 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 won at Augusta for the first time last year. He is yet to commit to any further plans until then, meaning he has a clear three weeks of rest and recovery before the Masters begins on April 9.

A factor that could ensure he gets the maximum amount of time rehabilitating is his ownership of a private jet, which the five-time major winner often 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 one of 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.

But buying the G650ER wasn't cheap for the PGA Tour icon. 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 version can cost a greater sum of around $78m (£58m), although the price is dependent on the aforementioned factors. McIlroy's version reportedly set him back £38m.

However, with this hefty investment comes unrivalled luxury, as the G650ER can carry between 13 and 16 passengers and gives you the option of creating 3.5 to four onboard living areas.

Certain versions of the plane also allow individuals to transform the single seats into beds. The G650ER also includes 16 panoramic oval windows, designed to bring natural light into the cabin for the comfort of its passengers.

Speaking after The Players Championship, McIlroy gave an update on his back issues, 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.

"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."