By Frank Pingue
FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) -Defending champions Europe face the ultimate Ryder Cup road test this week at Bethpage Black where dealing with a raucous New York crowd may prove as crucial as sinking putts in their clash with the United States.
A vocal and partisan crowd expected to include U.S. President Donald Trump will be out in full force when the three-day, match-play competition at one of the nation’s most renowned public golf courses begins on Friday on Long Island.
In a bid to prepare for the challenge that passionate U.S. fans could present, European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gave his players virtual reality headsets with programmed crowd abuse that simulates the hostile atmosphere expected.
“That’s the stuff that we are going to have to deal with. So it