Do Professional Golfers Personally Own Luxurious Private Aircraft?

In the world of professional golf, convenience and camaraderie often go hand in hand, as many top players choose to travel by private jet. One such golfer is Rory McIlroy, who recently upgraded from a Bombardier Challenger 605 to a 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, purchased second-hand. This luxury aircraft boasts a normal range of 7,095 nautical miles or 8,164 miles, making long-haul travel a breeze.

Rory McIlroy is not alone in his preference for private aviation. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Arnold Palmer have also been known to own private jets. However, detailed information about the total flight hours each has accumulated remains private.

Among these golfing jet-setters, shared flights have led to unexpected friendships. Steve Marino recalled a time when Tiger Woods offered him a ride on his Gulfstream G550 from a tournament in Japan they would be playing in two months' time. This gesture paved the way for a bond between the two players.

Tiger Woods' Gulfstream G550, built in 2008, cost him £48m. The aircraft features a cabin height of 6ft 2in, a width of 7ft 4in, and a length of 43ft 11in, comfortably seating up to 19 passengers. The Gulfstream G650ER, owned by Rory McIlroy, shares similar dimensions and seating capacity.

Not all golfers share the same enthusiasm for private jet ownership. Phil Mickelson sold his Gulfstream V due to logistical and financial considerations, while Jon Rahm opted for VistaJet over fractional ownership of a private jet.

NetJets, the 'Official Private Jet Provider of the PGA Tour' and 'The Open Championship', partners with 50 tour golfers to coordinate flight schedules for tournaments. This partnership ensures that top players can travel efficiently, simplifying logistics for those based in Orlando, Florida, a popular golfing hub.

The use of private jets by top golfers extends beyond mere convenience. Arnold Palmer, a skilled pilot who logged almost 20,000 flight hours, saw a connection between flying and golf. In 1976, he, Jim Bir, and Bill Purkey broke the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a business jet, a testament to their shared passion for both sports.

Rory McIlroy, mindful of his carbon footprint, invests in schemes to offset emissions from his travels. This commitment to sustainability reflects a growing awareness among golfers and athletes about the environmental impact of their lifestyles.

As the game of golf continues to evolve, so too does the role of private aviation in the lives of its top players. From fostering friendships to simplifying travel logistics, the convenience offered by private jets remains a valuable asset in the world of professional golf.