European Ryder Cup captain, Rory McIlroy, has disclosed that his team members have been equipped with Virtual Reality headsets featuring personalized taunts to brace themselves for the rowdy American supporters at the upcoming tournament. 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, with President Donald Trump set to attend the opening day, McIlroy distributed the VR headsets to his team during a recent dinner. The headsets allow players to select the level of verbal abuse they wish to experience, aiming to simulate the sights, sounds, and noise they will encounter during the event.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of desensitizing themselves to the potential challenges they may face from the crowd. The VR experience offers individualized abuse scenarios, pushing players to toughen up mentally for the competition ahead. Reflecting on a past incident where he confronted a fan during the 2016 Ryder Cup, McIlroy acknowledged the need to maintain composure in the face of provocation.
When asked about winning over the American crowd, McIlroy expressed doubts but noted the potential for increased support in New York due to its diverse population. Despite his concerns, he concluded his final round before the Ryder Cup on a positive note, finishing with a strong performance and expressing gratitude for the supportive crowds he encountered in recent tournaments.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, McIlroy remains focused on honing his game and navigating the challenges that lie ahead, both on the course and in managing the expectations of the spectators.