Rory McIlroy has sent plane spotters into a frenzy over his potential homecoming to Northern Ireland after his private jet touched down on this side of the Atlantic.
It comes just days after the Holywood golfer ended an 11-year wait to win the one major title that had eluded him when he beat Justin Rose in a play-off at The Masters.
The Co Down man defeated Rose in a play-off at Augusta National on Sunday to win the 89th Masters and become the sixth man to win all four of golf’s majors.
McIlroy said it was a “dream come true” after he became the first European golfer to win the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship. The achievement cemented his position amongst the best golfers of all time.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill has already said Northern Ireland should have a “huge party” to welcome the golfing champion home While mystery still surrounds exactly when he is set to touch down in Northern Ireland for a momentous homecoming, his return could be imminent.
McIlroy’s private jet took off from Palm Beach International airport shortly after 8pm local time on Tuesday before it crossed the Atlantic and landed at Farnborough Airport in Surrey at 08:23 on Wednesday morning. His private jet is a Gulfstream G650 plane from 2022 and is registered under the US flag.
Fans at home in Northern Ireland are eagerly awaiting news of his return to celebrate his momentous win. The Holywood native expressed his wish to return home after his victory.
He said: "I want to say hello to my mum and dad,” he said at the green jacket ceremony. “They're back home in Northern Ireland.”
Choking back tears, he added: “They did (make a lot of sacrifices for me), and I can't wait to see them next week. I just can't wait to celebrate this with them.”
The 35-year-old is a lifelong Manchester United fan and has been invited to parade his Masters trophy at Old Trafford after manager Ruben Amorim sent the invitation to McIlroy via video message on Wednesday.
Amorim is preparing for United's Europa League quarter-final showdown with Lyon on Thursday night, and there have been rumours McIlroy may be in the UK to attend the match.
“Hi Rory,” Amorim said in a video message posted online. “Congratulations for the Masters and I want to invite you to Old Trafford to show your trophy.”
In the past, McIlroy has flown into Belfast City Airport, which is located just minutes from his family home in Holywood.
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English (United States) ·