The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Third PGA Tour golfer tests positive for coronavirus
Denny McCarthy became the third golfer to test positive for the coronavirus. He withdrew Friday from the Travelers Championship before his second round.
“I was feeling pretty tired and sore after the round yesterday but didn’t think much of it because I had practiced a lot Monday to Wednesday,” McCarthy said. “Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with additional aches and soreness and sensed something was off. I felt like the only thing to do was get tested at that point before I went to the course.”
McCarthy, 27, shot a 3-under 67 in his opening round. He has three top-10 finishes this season.
McCarthy was scheduled to play with Bud Cauley and Matt Wallace at 1:30 p.m. today. The PGA Tour said Cauley tested negative twce on Friday, but has also withdrawn from the tournament. Wallace remained in the field.
“I’m very thankful I have tested negative but have decided to withdraw out of an abundance of caution for my peers and everyone involved with the tournament,” Cauley said.
All three caddies in that group tested negative. More testing is ongoing for anyone who came in close contact with Cauley.
“Denny has our full support as he self-isolates here in Hartford and recovers, and I know I speak for the entire tour membership in thanking him for doing the right thing in requesting an additional test before heading to the golf course today,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement.
“What Denny, Bud and others are demonstrating is exactly what we asked of everyone — continue to do your part in taking this virus seriously and keeping not only your own health as a priority, but also that of your fellow competitors and those you may come in contact with.”
McCarthy joins Nick Watney (last Friday) and Cameron Champ (Tuesday) on the positive testing list. Brooks Koepka, the world’s fourth-ranked golfer, and Graeme McDowell both withdrew Wednesday when their caddies tested positive with the virus. Fifth-ranked Webb Simpson also withdrew Wednesday when a family member tested positive.
Chase Koepka, Brooks’ brother, also withdrew as a precaution. He was a Monday qualifier.