Westwood to shun US PGA despite easing of entry rules

LEE Westwood will not change his mind and contest the US PGA Championship despite coronavirus quarantine rules in the United States being relaxed for top sports stars.

Hosting this week’s Betfred British Masters had looked to rule Westwood out of next week’s WGC Fedex St Jude Invitational and the subsequent US PGA Championship due to the 14-day quarantine required on arrival in the United States.

However, even though that has now been lifted for players, caddies and essential personnel - provided they go straight into the tournament “bubble” - Westwood will be staying put.

Speaking after a closing 79 at Close House, he said: “I know they have dropped the two-week quarantine but I still don’t feel comfortable and I don’t feel it is right to jump on a plane for 12 hours.

“I am still more concerned that America does not take it as seriously as the rest of the world.

“I can control me not getting the virus and take all the measures I can but somebody might pass it on.

“I don’t really want to get ill with it and I am slightly asthmatic.

“If I tested positive in Memphis I would have to stay there for two weeks and I am not sure about insurance policies etc.

“There are too many what ifs. If you take all them into consideration there is something wrong.”

Westwood also confessed to feeling uncomfortable at Close House, despite the extremely thorough protocols put in place by the European Tour to prevent any cases of Covid-19.

The 47-year-old added: “The testing protocol we have all been through has been a success. I don’t think anybody has tested positive.

“However, I have still felt out of my comfort zone this week. In 28 years of playing on Tour this is a shock to the system isn’t it?”