The PGA Tour’s decision to return to competitive action while large parts of the United States are still reporting historic high positive Coivd-19 cases has been called into question after several players and a caddie have been tested positive for the virus.
Graeme McDowell has had to pull out of this week’s Travelers Championship in Connecticut because his caddie, Ken Comboy, tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday (June 23).
McDowell, who tested negative earlier this week, said he was withdrawing for the protection of others players and his own physical wellbeing. “I’m going to take a test on Wednesday morning and then jump on a private plane,” he said. “I’m going to get myself out of here, home to Florida and decide whether I need to quarantine myself from my family.”
American Cameron Champ has already tested positive for Covid-19 during pre-tournament screening at the event, while Nick Watney also tested positive immediately before his second round at last week’s RBC Heritage tournament, which marked the sport’s return following the coronavirus shutdown.
The PGA Tour is expected to announce results from its full pre-tournament virus screening programme later today. Spectators are scheduled to be allowed back into PGA Tour events from mid-July.