As part of the PGA TOUR’s pre-tournament screening process, this week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, PGA TOUR player Harris English tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from the event.
English, who did not compete last week at the Travelers Championship, will have the PGA TOUR’s full support throughout his self-isolation period under CDC guidelines.
“While it’s disappointing to receive this news, as I feel healthy, I’m pleased that the new safety protocols we have in place worked this week,” said English. “I fully supported the TOUR’s new rule of not allowing anyone on the tournament grounds until testing negative, as protecting others in the field and everyone affiliated with the tournament and the community should be the No. 1 priority as a result of a positive test. I appreciate the TOUR’s support and I look forward to competing again after I’m fully recovered.”
English is the fifth PGA TOUR player to test positive for Coronavirus since the PGA TOUR’s Return to Golf on June 11.
There have also been a number of caddies who also tested positive including Brookes Koepka and Graham MacDowell’s caddies, so they also withdrew.
No Withdrawals in Japan
Meanwhile, the women’s professional golf tour in Japan opened its season on Thursday following a roughly four-month delay due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, with the first round of the Earth Mondahmin Cup held behind closed doors.
The Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association said Wednesday that all 144 players and staff have been tested for the virus and none was positive.
And after winning the Korea Women’s Open recently on the KLPGA in Incheon, South Korea, So Yeon Ryu donated her earnings to the coronavirus relief effort.
Seems that it is relatively safe to play golf in Asia, but perhaps the PGA Tour will have to rethink if it is worth the risk continuing as COVID cases are on the rise again???
