Travelers goes ahead despite three positive tests for coronavirus

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has revealed the Travelers Championship will go ahead this week, despite three positive tests for coronavirus.

Cameron Champ, Graeme McDowell’s caddie Ken Comboy and Brooks Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliott all have the virus and the three players have withdrawn from the tournament in Connecticut which is due to start tomorrow.

Furthermore, Koepka’s brother Chase and Webb Simpson have also withdrawn having been in close contact with those testing positive.

Those cases threw doubt on whether the tournament would go ahead, but Monahan said the PGA Tour would carry on while trying to refine its safety protocols.

“It is pretty clear that this virus isn’t going anywhere,” he said, having flown into the site yesterday to face the media.

“We are excited to get into the Travelers Championship this week and we are going to continue to refine and get better and better and identify ways we can further mitigate any risks.

“We have had three positive tests this week, I think everyone should expect we are going to have more (positive) tests.

“We are going to spend a tonne of time to make sure we are reinforcing the strong protocols we have.”

Some of the changes made will include additional testing, coaches being brought into the testing bubble along with fitness facilities.

Monahan admits he has thought about how bad the situation would need to get before the Tour would be cancelled.

“That is something you are mindful of,” he added.

“The safety of the players is our number one concern, our brand is our greatest asset.

“We feel a great responsibility to inspire people, to be in their living rooms on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we feel like we are on a path that is going to allow us continue our return to golf.

“The PGA Tour will always do the right thing to make sure we create the safest environment possible.”

Players have been seen fist-bumping and high-fiving in the first few weeks back on the tour but Monahan has warned of the consequences for anyone found not following safety protocols.

“Everybody needs to know that our future, our ability to stay in this business is contingent on our ability to follow those protocols,” Monahan added.