Rory McIlroy has shared that the European team has been equipped with Virtual Reality headsets personalized with insults to brace themselves for enthusiastic American fans at the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Following the BMW PGA, Luke Donald plans to fly his team to New York for a two-day training session at Bethpage Black.
To prepare for the intense atmosphere, the European captain has taken proactive steps by providing the team with VR headsets at a recent dinner. The headsets allow players to experience simulated sights, sounds, and crowd noise they will encounter during the event.
McIlroy mentioned that the personalized abuse feature on the VR sets can be adjusted to individual preferences, offering a close-to-reality experience. He emphasized the importance of desensitizing oneself to the potential challenges before facing them in person.
Reflecting on past incidents, McIlroy recalled an encounter with an American fan during the 2016 Ryder Cup, where he had to address inappropriate behavior related to his former partner, Caroline Wozniacki. He acknowledged the need to maintain composure in such situations.
When asked about winning over the crowd, McIlroy expressed doubt, acknowledging the strong American support expected at the event. Despite anticipating some backing from the diverse New York audience, he recognized the challenge of competing in front of a predominantly American crowd.
After a successful final round before the Ryder Cup, McIlroy ended on a high note with a 65 to finish at 12-under par. He highlighted improvements in his performance, particularly on par 5s, and expressed gratitude for the supportive crowds at recent tournaments.
Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, McIlroy expressed excitement and satisfaction with his performance, eager to carry the momentum into the upcoming event.
