Rory McIlroy has lifted the lid on one of Team Europe’s most unusual Ryder Cup preparations, admitting the squad has been using virtual reality headsets to brace themselves for the hostility of the New York crowd.
Luke Donald‘s side, who will attempt to defend their crown at Bethpage Black later this month, are expecting one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the competition’s history.
To prepare, Europe’s 12 players were each handed VR headsets this week, allowing them not only to study the course but also to simulate the heckling they are certain to face from American fans.
“It simulates the sights and sounds and noise,” McIlroy explained after finishing his week at the BMW PGA Championship.
“That’s the stuff that we are going to have to deal with, so it’s better to try to desensitise yourself as much as possible before you get in there.
“You can get them to say whatever you want them to say, you can go as close to the bone as you like. They asked me how far I wanted it to go, and I said, ‘Go as far as you want.'”
The revelation provides a glimpse into Donald‘s meticulous strategy to toughen up his players.
In Abu Dhabi earlier this year, he even hired a comedian to hurl barbs at Tyrrell Hatton during practice, testing how the Englishman would respond under provocation.
The thinking is clear: if Europe can handle rehearsed insults, they’ll be less likely to lose composure when faced with the real thing at Bethpage.
McIlroy, who has made no secret of his belief that winning an away Ryder Cup is one of the hardest feats in sport, acknowledged that no simulation can completely prepare them.
“You can wear all the VR headsets you want and try all these different things, but once the first tee comes on Friday it’s real and we just have to deal with whatever’s given,” he said.
McIlroy hitting form at the right time
The Northern Irishman enters the Ryder Cup in top form. After ending his major drought with victory at the Masters in April, he added the Irish Open in September and closed out his final competitive round before New York with a superb 65 at Wentworth.
His seven-under finish included a long eagle putt at the 18th, a shot that underlined his readiness for golf’s fiercest team battle.
The 36-year-old will be competing in his eighth Ryder Cup since 2010, having won five of his seven previous appearances.
His role in last year’s triumph in Rome, where he emerged as Europe’s top scorer and emotional leader amid the car park clash with Patrick Cantlay‘s caddie Joe LaCava, has only heightened his standing as the heartbeat of the team.
Donald’s captain’s picks
Donald‘s lineup blends veterans with stars who needed captain’s picks to make the trip. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, both playing on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, did not qualify automatically but were always likely to be chosen.
Hatton admitted the phone call came during a night out in Indianapolis with Rahm: “That was obviously a very nice call to receive. Jon had just won the individual, so we had a bit of a tear up. That was a messy night – I don’t want to feel that bad the next day again.”
Vice-captain Alex Noren reminded Europe of his enduring quality by winning the BMW PGA in a playoff, though he acknowledged the late surge was not enough to secure a playing role.
“The guys on the team will be fantastic,” Noren said. “I’m really looking forward to that match.”
Bethpage Black is expected to be a cauldron. New York crowds are among the loudest and most unforgiving in American sport, and McIlroy knows the abuse will flow freely.
Still, he pointed out that the city’s cosmopolitan character could mean pockets of European support.
“New York is more of a melting pot and more backgrounds identify as part European,” McIlroy said.
“We should get a little more support, but at the same time you’re going to America with an American crowd.”
Europe are aiming for their first away win since the Miracle of Medinah in 2012. McIlroy insists the team is embracing the challenge.
“Winning an away Ryder Cup is one of the hardest things to do in our sport,” he said. “But that’s what makes it so special.”
The 45th Ryder Cup begins September 26 at Bethpage Black, where Europe’s unorthodox VR training will be put to the ultimate test against a US team determined to reclaim the trophy on home soil.
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