European Ryder Cup captain Rory McIlroy has implemented an innovative strategy to prepare his team for the rowdy American fans they will face at the upcoming tournament. McIlroy disclosed that each team member has been provided with personalized abuse simulations through Virtual Reality headsets. This initiative aims to acclimate the players to the intense atmosphere they can expect during the event.
Following the BMW PGA event, team captain Luke Donald will lead the European squad on a charter flight to New York for a two-day training camp at Bethpage Black. Anticipating the presence of notable figures like President Donald Trump on the opening day of the Ryder Cup, McIlroy distributed the VR headsets to his team during a recent dinner. The players have the freedom to tailor the level of abuse they experience in the simulations, with McIlroy noting that they can opt for extreme scenarios to toughen their mental resilience.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of desensitizing the team to the sights, sounds, and noise they will encounter during the competition. Reflecting on past incidents, such as an altercation with a fan during the 2016 Ryder Cup, McIlroy acknowledged the need to maintain composure in the face of provocations. Despite the challenges posed by the hostile environment, McIlroy remains focused on his team’s performance and aims to channel the support they receive in New York to their advantage.
Ahead of the Ryder Cup, McIlroy demonstrated strong form by finishing his final round with an impressive score of 65, concluding the tournament at 12-under par. Reflecting on his improved performance, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his play on the par 5s and highlighted the support of enthusiastic crowds in Ireland. With a positive outlook, McIlroy looks forward to carrying this momentum into the Ryder Cup and delivering a strong performance for Team Europe.