Rory McIlroy concluded the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday with a final-round 65, finishing seven strokes behind the victor, Ryder Cup vice-captain Alex Noren.
2025 Ryder Cup
Date: 26-28 September Venue: Bethpage Black, New York
Coverage: Live text on BBC Sport website of all three days
In their bid to secure their first away Ryder Cup victory since 2012, the European team is employing virtual reality headsets to simulate the anticipated hostile environment from the New York crowd.
Acknowledging New York sports fans’ reputation for being among the most passionate and demanding in the United States, Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, has authorized this novel approach to help players manage the intense atmosphere.
“The aim is to replicate the sights and sounds,” explained Rory McIlroy, who participated in Sunday’s BMW PGA Championship, the DP World Tour’s premier event, at Wentworth.
“It’s about preparing for the challenges we’ll face. Desensitizing ourselves as much as possible beforehand is crucial.”
McIlroy refrained from disclosing specific messages used in the simulation, stating, “you don’t want to know.” However, he indicated that he encouraged the VR team to “go as far as you want” regarding the level of intensity.
“You can tailor the experience to include any comments you anticipate,” he added. “The goal is to get as close to the real thing as possible.”
This tactic represents the latest effort by Donald, seeking to join the ranks of Tony Jacklin, Bernard Gallacher, Bernhard Langer, and Jose Maria Olazabal as victorious away captains, to prepare his team for what he expects to be a “bear pit” environment at Bethpage.
“We are dedicated to ensuring we are fully prepared for the conditions we will encounter,” stated Masters champion McIlroy, emphasizing that securing an away Ryder Cup win is one of the most formidable challenges in the sport.
“While VR headsets and other preparation methods are valuable, nothing truly replicates the real experience. Once that first tee shot on Friday arrives, it’s real, and we must adapt to whatever comes our way.”
Despite the extensive discussion surrounding the anticipated enthusiasm of American fans, McIlroy noted: “We might find that it’s not as overwhelming as we expect.”
“Whether it’s the American team in Europe or the European team in America, the dynamic is similar. You’re not just competing against a talented team but also the crowd, which presents its own set of challenges.
“New York, being a cosmopolitan city with diverse backgrounds and a significant European population, might offer some support. However, ultimately, we’re competing in America, with an American crowd.”
The European team will travel to New York on Sunday evening, with practice rounds scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at Bethpage Black, situated on Long Island, approximately an hour from New York City.
The 45th edition of the biennial contest against the US is scheduled to take place from September 26-28.
Europe enters as the defending champion, having secured a 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023. However, away wins have been scarce this century, with Europe achieving victories in 2004 and 2012.
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