Former Masters champion Scott tests positive for virus
Australia’s Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, withdrew from the US PGA Zozo Championship on Wednesday after testing positive for Covid-19, the tour announced.
The 40-year-old from Adelaide was going to make his first start since sharing 38th at last month’s US Open. Instead, he will begin a self-isolation period under health and safety protocols.
“While it’s difficult news to receive — as I really looked forward to playing this week — my focus now is on recovery for the final stretch of the fall,” Scott said in a statement.
Scott will be hoping to get well in time to compete at the Masters, which was moved to Nov 12-15 in this year’s coronavirus-disrupted schedule.
Scott, ranked 15th, took his most recent US PGA triumph in February at Riviera.
American Jim Herman, the first alternate, replaced Scott in the Zozo field, which teed off yesterday in the opening round at Sherwood Country Club.
Also missing from the Zozo field is world No.1 Dustin Johnson, who tested positive for Covid-19 before last week’s CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
Johnson, still feeling low on energy, plans to play next at the Houston Open the week before the Masters.
NO FANS AT US WOMEN’S OPEN
The US Women’s Open will be held without fans this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States Golf Association (USGA) said on Wednesday.
The tournament, which is in its
75th year and is the oldest of the five women’s golf majors, was previously rescheduled from June to Dec 10-13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and will be held at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.
“Following extensive consultation with health officials, we have decided that hosting the US Women’s Open without spectators will provide the best opportunity to conduct the championship safely for all involved,” said USGA Senior Managing Director John Bodenhamer.
The PGA Tour said it will allow a limited number of fans to attend next month’s Houston Open, a move which concerned Phil Mickelson as the fivetime major winner said he was questioning whether to compete in the event.