Europe's golf team is taking innovative steps to prepare for the challenging atmosphere of the 2025 Ryder Cup, set to take place at Bethpage Black in New York. The team, led by captain Luke Donald, is utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate the intense and often hostile environment they expect from the American crowd.

VR Training: A New Approach

Rory McIlroy, a key player for the European team, revealed that the VR headsets are being used to replicate the sights and sounds of a raucous New York crowd. "It's to simulate the sights and sounds," McIlroy explained. "That's the stuff that we are going to have to deal with. It's better to try to desensitise yourself as much as possible before you get in there."

The Challenge of an Away Ryder Cup

McIlroy, who has called winning an away Ryder Cup one of the hardest achievements in golf, emphasized the difficulty of the task. "We are doing everything we can to best prepare ourselves for what it is going to feel like," he said. "But nothing can really prepare you until you're actually in that. You can wear all the VR headsets you want and do all the different things we've been trying to do to get ourselves ready but once the first tee comes on Friday it's real and we just have to deal with whatever's given."

The New York Factor

New York sports fans are known for their fervent support, and McIlroy acknowledged the unique challenge they present. "New York is definitely more of a cosmopolitan city, more of a melting pot and more backgrounds and people identify as part European. We should get a little more support but at the same time, you're going to America with an American crowd."

Preparation and Practice

The European team is scheduled to arrive in New York on Sunday evening, with two days of practice planned at Bethpage Black on Monday and Tuesday. The 45th Ryder Cup will be held from September 26-28, 2025, with Europe defending their title after a 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023.

Historical Context

Europe has only secured two away victories this century, in 2004 and 2012. The team is determined to add a third, and the use of VR technology is just one of the many strategies being employed to ensure they are ready for the challenge ahead.