Europe Use VR to Face Hostile Ryder Cup Crowd

Europe Use VR to Prepare for New York ‘Bear Pit’ at Ryder Cup 2025

Date: 26–28 September 2025

Venue: Bethpage Black, New York

Coverage: Live text on BBC Sport across all three days

Team Europe has turned to virtual reality technology in an attempt to break their 13-year away drought at the Ryder Cup, simulating the abuse and hostile energy they expect from New York fans.

Led by captain Luke Donald, Europe’s players are donning VR headsets that recreate the visuals and crowd noise of Bethpage Black – one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in American golf.

McIlroy: “You Can Say Whatever You Want”

Rory McIlroy, fresh off his appearance at the BMW PGA Championship, confirmed that the VR simulations are graphic and intense:

“You can get them to say whatever you want… go as close to the bone as you like.”

While he wouldn’t disclose the exact taunts used in the simulation, McIlroy made it clear that the goal is mental desensitisation.

“That’s the stuff we’re going to have to deal with. It’s better to get used to it now than wait until Friday.”

Despite the preparation, McIlroy added that nothing can fully prepare them for the first tee pressure:

“Once Friday comes, it’s real.”

Behind the VR Strategy

The initiative was spearheaded by captain Luke Donald, aiming to emulate past victorious away captains like Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Donald is preparing his squad for a “bear pit” atmosphere at Bethpage Black, located just outside New York City, on Long Island. New York fans are notoriously vocal, passionate, and unforgiving—especially toward visiting teams.

This VR initiative marks a modern evolution of Ryder Cup preparation, combining psychological training with immersive technology.

“We are doing everything we can to best prepare ourselves for what it is going to feel like,” Donald said.

Team Schedule and Build-Up

• Sunday Evening: Team Europe flies to New York

• Monday–Tuesday: Practice rounds at Bethpage Black

• 26–28 September: 45th Ryder Cup

Though Europe are defending champions after their 16½–11½ win in Rome 2023, they haven’t won on U.S. soil since 2012 – and only twice this century (2004 and 2012).

McIlroy: “New York May Surprise Us”

McIlroy acknowledged that while Bethpage will be tough, New York’s international diversity could play in Europe’s favor:

“It’s more of a cosmopolitan city… more backgrounds, more people who identify as part European.”

But he also made it clear: “You’re going to America with an American crowd.”