Golfers facing transatlantic tribulations as PGA Tour orders 14-day quarantine
PROFESSIONAL golfers and caddies living outside the United States, including those in Britain and Ireland, have been told by the PGA Tour that they will have to fulfil a two-week quarantine period in America before playing in tournaments. With the pros expected to undergo the same period of segregation when they return to the UK, it would require them to spend a month in quarantine. That scenario has already put off England’s Tommy Fleetwood from entering the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas, which on June 11 is due to become the first significant men’s event to be held since the game went into lockdown on March 12.
Yesterday, Lee Westwood, the world No 31, confirmed that unless these regulations change he will probably miss the US PGA, the first Major of the season, on August 6-9.
When asked if he would play in the World Golf Championship event in Memphis and then the US PGA the week after, Westwood said: “Probably not. I’ve got the British Masters the week before Memphis and I figure that if there are still those conditions in place, I shouldn’t be travelling that far. There is more to life than golf.” document to players and officials outlining the extra measures that will be in place when competition returns, outlining a strict testing regime and measures that will be in place surrounding each tournament, as well as “strong recommendations” for travel and accommodation between events.
questionnaire, give a thermal reading and undertake a nasal swab or saliva test. Strict social distancing rules will also be in place, though while the Tour will “strongly recommend” certain hotels and methods of transport, it will not insist on them.
“As with commercial airlines, many hotel companies are going to be going to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of their guests, and if a player is most comfortable staying in a particular situation then he may do so, just as he may fly with a commercial airline,” Levinson said.
“That being said, for these hotels we are going to identify in each community, we are going to be working with those hotels to take even greater precautions so we’re going to continue to educate our players and caddies to the benefits of those facilities compared to any
Caddies such as Harry Diamond have big decisions to make
others in the community.”
It also means that caddies such as Harry Diamond, who lives in Northern Ireland and works for McIlroy, and John McLaren, who works for Casey, have big decisions to make. Flying back and forth is not a realistic option.
Fitzpatrick owns a residence in southern Florida and could stay in the US for as long as six months to take in the rescheduled Masters in November.
While there will be no fans for at least the first four events, the PGA Tour confirmed yesterday that prize funds will not be reduced.
The Tour will not announce any positive tests that may arise due to medical confidentiality, but the individual concerned would need to withdraw from the event and undergo a period in quarantine. (© Daily Telegraph, London)