Golfers face US quarantine

– Golfers based outside the US will face 14 days in quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes next month.

Britain’s Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood (above) and Italy’s Francesco Molinari are among around 25 golfers who would need to move quickly to arrive in time for the US PGA’s planned 11 June return in the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.

Despite moves by the tour to help players and caddies based outside US borders return for events, the 14-day quarantine will be in force and those coming over from Britain would face another two-week isolation when they return across the Atlantic Ocean.

“We’re working with the federal government to facilitate the return of players and caddies who are currently residing outside of the US, and we’re optimistic that’s going to occur,” said Andy Levinson, tour vice president of tournament administration.

Helping them return doesn’t mean players could escape two weeks of quarantine, however.

“That is currently in place, and it is likely to continue, so it’s imperative that those constituents that we have that need to come back in the US do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition,” Levinson said.

It’s uncertain how many of the 25 players Levinson said are outside US borders would even want to return for events, given the isolation required.

The tour outlined its coronavirus safety rules, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators.

They were devised in consultation with medical experts and government leaders.

Nasal swab tests would start when players and caddies perform a pre-travel screening test. They would be tested again when they arrive at event lodging.

When they arrive at the course each day, players and caddies will face health questions and have their temperatures taken.

Any player who tests positive for the virus must immediately quarantine for at least 10 days.

If a player tests positive after making the 36-hole cut, he will be paid last-place prize money. – AFP