Rory McIlroy lands in Belfast days after Masters title defence

Rory McIlroy flew from Goose Creek Airport in South Carolina to George Best Belfast City Airport on the morning of June 8, arriving just after 6:40 a.m. local time in his Gulfstream G650ER, N1989R, following a five-hour-and-48-minute transatlantic crossing. The Northern Irish golfer had been in the United States for the defence of his Masters title, which he won for the second consecutive year on April 12 at Augusta National, a victory that completed his career Grand Slam, per a GB News report.

The trip home, which came after a brief stop in England earlier in the week, lands McIlroy in Holywood the same weekend that local First Minister Michelle O'Neill has suggested the region should hold a "huge party" to welcome the champion back, according to the same outlet. McIlroy said at the green jacket ceremony that he wanted to celebrate with his parents, adding, "I can't wait to see them next week," and sources tell GB News he has no media appearances planned, instead intending to spend Easter with family.

The flight marks a familiar pattern for McIlroy, who regularly uses the G650ER to shuttle between his Florida home and Belfast City Airport, just minutes from his family home. The aircraft, a 2022 model he took delivery of in late 2024, was a key tool in his Masters preparation, with McIlroy telling reporters he made day trips from Jupiter to Augusta to practice before returning for dinner with his daughter and wife, as covered by the Irish Mirror.