Rory McIlroy has disclosed that the European team has received Virtual Reality headsets customized with personalized insults to brace for lively American supporters at the Ryder Cup. Team captain 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 upcoming clash, where even President Donald Trump is expected on the opening day, McIlroy distributed the VR headsets to his team during a recent team dinner. The headsets allow players to select the level of verbal attacks they wish to experience, with McIlroy joking that they can choose extreme levels.
According to McIlroy, the VR sets help simulate the sights, sounds, and noise the team will face during the event, aiming to desensitize them beforehand. Reflecting on his own experience at the 2016 Ryder Cup, where he had to deal with inappropriate comments from a fan, McIlroy emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in such situations.
When asked if Europe could win over the crowd, McIlroy expressed skepticism, noting the challenges of playing in front of an American audience. Despite this, he remains hopeful for support from diverse backgrounds in New York.
McIlroy concluded his final round before the Ryder Cup with an impressive performance, shooting a 65 and finishing at 12-under par. Reflecting on his improved play, he highlighted the significance of strong performance on par 5s and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic crowds in recent tournaments.
As the team prepares for the Ryder Cup, McIlroy remains focused on delivering a strong performance and finishing on a positive note before the prestigious event.