This year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black seems to be a scorching version of the golf classic, where the USA is seeking revenge after the loss in Rome two years ago.
On Friday afternoon, Swedish time, the first strokes will be made from the first tee – an environment that Europe's players have in a way already experienced through a VR headset.
It was pretty cool, cool and different. It simulated the first tee and the whole setting, you could turn up and down the headphones and hear a bit from the audience, so it was cool. It's those little things that Luke (Donald, captain) and his team do to prepare us in a very good way, says Ludvig Åberg.
First away game
He made his debut in Rome and will now play his first Ryder Cup away from home.
The simulation is a small piece of the puzzle in the preparations for the title defense. But most of all a fun detail, Justin Rose, Åberg's teammate, thinks.
It was a fun idea, but I wouldn't say I've used it more than five minutes, if I'm honest, says the Englishman.
It was more fun to show it to the family and people who won't be here – my son, my daughter, my mom. That's how it will feel on the first tee. In that way, it was really cool.
"A challenge"
Rose describes the VR simulation as a soft-ice-cream version of what really awaits when the seriousness begins on Friday. It's going to be rough and intense – and the European players are prepared for verbal attacks. Maybe even against family members who are there to cheer them on.
It will definitely be a challenge for them too, says Ludvig Åberg, who has his parents Johan and Mia, his sister Linnea and his girlfriend Olivia in New York.
I'm okay with hearing some heckling against me, but it's a shame if they feel exposed too. It will be a part of it and something we can't influence. We'll try to meet it with a happy smile and take it for what it is.
