Rory McIlroy has disclosed that the European team has been equipped with Virtual Reality headsets containing personalized insults to brace themselves for enthusiastic American fans at the upcoming Ryder Cup event. Luke Donald plans to fly the team to New York after the BMW PGA for a two-day training session at Bethpage Black.
In anticipation of the intense atmosphere, European captain Donald Trump’s presence on the opening day, and rowdy spectators, McIlroy distributed the VR headsets to his team during a recent dinner. The headsets allow individuals to select the level of verbal abuse they wish to experience to simulate the anticipated environment.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of familiarizing themselves with the sights, sounds, and noise they will encounter during the tournament. He mentioned the ability to customize the insults on the VR sets, emphasizing the need to toughen up mentally to face not only a strong opponent but also a challenging crowd.
Recalling a past incident where he had a fan removed for inappropriate comments, McIlroy acknowledged the need to maintain composure under pressure. When asked if Europe could win over the American crowd, McIlroy expressed skepticism, noting that while they may receive more support in New York, the home advantage still lies with the American fans.
McIlroy concluded his pre-Ryder Cup preparations with a strong performance, finishing his final round with a score of 65 and ending at 12-under par. Reflecting on his improved play, he highlighted the importance of performing well on the par 5s and the contrasting atmospheres between playing in Europe and the United States.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, McIlroy remains focused on maintaining his form and mental fortitude for the challenge ahead.