Rory McIlroy has shared that the European team is using Virtual Reality headsets personalized with verbal attacks to ready themselves for enthusiastic American spectators at the upcoming Ryder Cup. Following the BMW PGA, Luke Donald will lead his team on a charter flight to New York for a two-day training session at Bethpage Black.
In anticipation of the intense atmosphere, the European captain has equipped his squad with VR sets during a recent team dinner. These headsets allow players to select the level of verbal abuse they wish to experience, helping them acclimate to the noise and distractions they will face during the event.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of simulating the sights and sounds of the tournament in advance to minimize the impact of the crowd on the players. Each team member can customize the type and intensity of abuse they encounter through the VR experience.
Reflecting on past incidents, McIlroy recalled a situation from the 2016 Ryder Cup where he had to manage a disruptive fan’s comments. He acknowledged the need to remain composed in such situations and focus on the game rather than external distractions.
Regarding the crowd dynamics at the upcoming event, McIlroy expressed that gaining full support from the American audience may be challenging. However, he noted the diverse makeup of the New York crowd could offer some level of backing to the European team.
McIlroy concluded his pre-Ryder Cup preparations with a strong performance, finishing his final round with a birdie-eagle to shoot a 65 and end the tournament at 12-under par. Reflecting on his improved play, he highlighted the importance of managing different crowd atmospheres and expressed gratitude for the supportive fans he encountered during recent events.
