CROMWELL, Conn.– In the consequences of seven withdrawals related to the coronavirus at this weeks Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour on Saturday executed a new policy that will forbid players from being on home while waiting for their first test result in a new city.
Beginning at next weeks Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club, all those considered “inside the bubble” by the PGA Tour– gamers, caddies, instructors, physiotherapists and personnel– will need an unfavorable result before being allowed on the grounds.
“Over the previous 3 weeks as part of its Return to Golf, the Tour has been dedicated to gaining from a functional viewpoint and adjusting procedures in location in order to mitigate risk and promote the health and safety of all involved, consisting of gamers, caddies, staff and volunteers,” the PGA Tour said in a declaration.
2 RelatedPreviously, the Tour allowed caddies and players to be onsite while awaiting outcomes of their tests. For example, Cameron Champ, who tested positive and withdrew from the Travelers field on Tuesday, was at TPC River Highlands this week while waiting for the outcome. He was not permitted inside the clubhouse or the locker room, but he was allowed on the golf course, practice range and putting green alongside fellow trip pros, caddies and staff.
That will not be allowed going forward.
This rule change, nevertheless, will not being enacted on the Korn Ferry Tour, the declaration stated, because of longer turn-around time on tests outcomes.
In reaction to withdrawals earlier today, the Tour issued stricter protocols, consisting of including an extra test and expanding the circle of those who would need tests to consist of instructors. 3 gamers and 2 caddies– including Brooks Koepkas caddie, Ricky Elliott– tested favorable and pulled out of the occasion, and 2 other golf enthusiasts withdrew as a safety measure.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan promised “severe repercussions” for anybody who did not abide by the protocols.
This brand-new policy, however, does not cover gamers who are waiting for extra tests throughout the week. On Saturday at the Travelers, Jason Day asked to be checked once again for COVID-19. The Tour pushed back his initial tee time, moving him from 8:19 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. He also played alone. While he waited on the result, which came back negative, he was enabled on the property, the practice area and the golf course.
2 RelatedPreviously, the Tour allowed caddies and gamers to be onsite while waiting for results of their tests. He was not permitted inside the locker or the clubhouse space, however he was permitted on the golf course, practice range and putting green alongside fellow tour pros, caddies and personnel.
The Tour pressed back his original tee time, moving him from 8:19 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
