New COVID protocols

The PGA Tour said

Saturday that players, caddies and others will not be allowed on the golf course at the start of a tournament without a negative COVID-19 test.

The change takes effect next week at Detroit Golf Club, where the Rocket Mortgage Classic will be played.

“Over the past three weeks as part of its Return to Golf, the TOUR has been committed to learning from an operational standpoint and adjusting protocols in place in order to mitigate risk and promote the health and safety of all involved, including players, caddies, staff and volunteers,” the

Tour said in a statement.

The change comes after seven players withdrew from this week’s Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn., following a positive test for the coronavirus or out of caution.

Previously, players, joined by their caddies, could practice outdoors while awaiting their test results in the host city. Now, players and anyone involved with the tournament must have a negative test before they can enter the tournament site.

Cameron Champ, who withdrew from the Travelers earlier this week after a positive COVID-19 test, practised on the course at TPC River Highlands, at the range and at the putting green in the vicinity of other pros and caddies as he awaited his result.

In related news, Webb Simpson has entered the Rocket Mortgage Classic after his family members tested negative for the coronavirus.

The winner of the RBC Heritage last weekend in South Carolina, Simpson withdrew from the Travelers Championship as a precaution when someone in his family had a positive test.

“The last week has been a roller coaster of emotions,” Simpson posted to Twitter. “From the high of a great week in Hilton Head to the realities of COVID-19 and the impact it can have on a family.”