Jon Rahm gives his verdict after Rory McIlroy lets slip on Ryder Cup plan

Jon Rahm says it was "really fun" to use virtual reality headsets to simulate the abuse European players are expecting at the Ryder Cup but it's "not even anywhere close to real life". 

Rahm and his 11 European teammates will head to Bethpage Black in two weeks' time. 

Europe's quest to become the first team since 2012 to win in hostile territory has resulted in Luke Donald's dozen using VR headsets to replicate the abuse they are likely to receive from the New York crowd. 

Masters champion Rory McIlroy opened up on the new approach sanctioned by skipper Donald after the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wenworth. 

Rahm enjoyed the experience, but he told Sky Sports Golf: "VR is never anywhere close to real life.

"[But] 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 and swing. They have somebody talking on the headset.

"I think they found somebody from the Northeast, but it's not even close. It's not the same stakes, but I thought it was really, really fun to just get an idea of what's going to be."

What did Rory McIlroy say?

McIlroy did not reveal what messages were relayed to his headset. 

He said the comments were "not for publication". 

But the 36-year-old explained "you can go as close to the bone as you like", adding: "We are doing everything we can to best prepare ourselves for what it is going to feel like.

"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."

McIlroy said it may transpire that the reception may not be as hostile as anticipated. 

"We might get there and be like, this actually isn't as bad as we thought it would be," he added. 

"No matter if you're an American team going to Europe or you're a European team going to America, it's the same. 

"You know you're going to be up against not just a great team but the crowd as well. That brings its challenges.

"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."

Rahm, McIlroy and the rest of the European squad are flying out to Bethpage Black later this evening for a three-day scouting mission. 

Captain Donald has revealed his players are free to use the rest of the week to do as they please, but has instructed the team to remain in the same time zone. 

Donald told reporters last week the team were more than prepared for the presence of US president Donald Trump. 

The 45th Ryder Cup takes place over 26-28 September. 

Europe are the defending champions, having won 16½-11½ in Rome in 2023.

But there have only been two away wins this century - by Europe in 2004 and 2012.

Keep checking GolfMagic for all the latest Ryder Cup news.