VR Training Couldn’t Prepare Him: Rahm Finds New York Fans Exceed Expectations
FARMINGDALE, New York – Despite utilizing virtual reality headsets to prepare for potentially hostile crowds, European Ryder Cup team member Jon Rahm has discovered that no technology can fully replicate the inventive nature of New York fans.
Europe’s preparations included VR headsets designed to desensitize golfers to abuse, allowing them to experience personalized heckling in a controlled surroundings. However,Rahm stated on Thursday,ahead of his fourth Ryder Cup appearance,that the reality during practice rounds has already surpassed their digital simulations.
“I don’t think that we’re creative enough in those VR goggles to what we’re going to hear this week, so far what we’ve heard in practice rounds,” Rahm said.
The twice major champion quickly learned that fans at Bethpage Black possess a level of inventiveness that even refined technology couldn’t anticipate. During practice, he was targeted wiht references to weight-loss drugs.
“Yeah, first shot in the practice rounds, yeah. I don’t know exactly what he said, but I think what he said was — what did he say? He either said, ’Hey, Rahm, where is the Ozempic?’ Or ‘When’s Ozempic?’ Something ‘Ozempic.’ I just don’t know what word exactly.It was funny,” Rahm recounted.
Rather than being disturbed, the Spaniard appears to be enjoying the passionate atmosphere New York crowds are known for. He also anticipates the intensity will increase once the three-day competition begins on Friday.
“We have all been in a home game trying to say some things about the away team,right,but some people come up with some things that I would never in a million years come up with,and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of,” said the 29-year-old.
“So far, the humour that’s been there, it’s really funny. I would imagine tomorrow things might turn a little bit but there’s always funny ones, and not only towards me, towards everybody.”
