By Ajayi Segun,Last Word On Sports

Copyright yardbarker

Team Europe has revealed that it is embarking on scouting trips and practicing with VR headsets to mimic the hostile atmosphere expected in the Ryder Cup this month. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm both revealed that the technology allows players to hear the noise, insults, and distractions they will likely face at Bethpage Black in New York as pressure mounts ahead of the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy, Rahm Welcome Use of Virtual Reality Headsets

Luke Donald hosted a team gathering last Tuesday including caddies and partners, where players used VR technology to mimic the noise and atmosphere they could encounter at Bethpage Black. McIlroy explained that the VR headsets can be adjusted to create different levels of atmosphere. Players can hear everything from cheers and boos to direct heckling. He admitted that nothing can fully match the reality of a Ryder Cup crowd, but he believes preparing mentally for the sound and chaos will make a difference.

“Just to simulate the sights and sounds and noise,” McIlroy said. “It’s better to try to desensitize yourself as much as possible before you get in there. They asked ‘how far do you want this (heckling) to go?’ and I said ‘go as far as you want!’ There’s a lot of us who have experienced playing away Ryder Cups, and a few who have experienced winning Ryder Cups away. We are doing everything we can to best prepare ourselves for what that’s going to be like, but nothing can really prepare you until you’re actually in that.”