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Team Europe Turns to VR and Scouting Trips as Ryder Cup Pressure Mounts

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ajayi Segun | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 4:12 PM ET

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.”

Rahm’s Perspective on VR Preparation

Jon Rahm agreed, saying that using the headsets is a smart way to get ready for what they will face in New York but also admitted it isn’t close to the exact reality.

“VR is never anywhere close to real life” Rahm, a top-scorer for Team Europe in their record-breaking loss in 2021 said. “The main thing I’ve taken from it is that you can only do the first tee, but you get an idea of what it’s going to look like ahead of time. I think it was funny because you can actually hit the tee shot, which is just weird because you have that little controller to swing. They have somebody talking on the headset.”

Scouting Trips Also Part Of Team Europe’s Preparations

Team Europe has combined the use of VR headsets with scouting trips to Bethpage. Several team members have already visited the course to get a sense of its conditions. The rough is thick, the fairways are narrow, and the greens demand accuracy. McIlroy, who is one of eight players in the European team with past experience of an away Ryder Cup, admitted that the first tee in front of a hostile crowd can be one of the most intimidating moments in golf.

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers watching at Bethpage are expected to make the atmosphere even more intense. The Americans will still hold the advantage of home support as the Ryder Cup tees off on Monday, September 22, with Team Europe looking to regain the trophy with a historic away win in the United States.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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