BERLIN - The PGA Tour has registered its first coronavirus case
since golf returned from suspension with the US player Nick Watney
testing positive.
Watney, 39, had his positive test revealed on Friday, before the
second day of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head, South Carolina, the
second tournament held since the resumption of play.
After the positive test Watney withdrew from the competition and must
now self-isolate for at least 10 days, according to the PGA Tour
health protocol.
Golf only resumed last week in the United States after a break of
around three months due to the global pandemic.
The five-time Tour winner Watney travelled privately to the event and
test negative on arrival. After feeling symptoms he consulted a
doctor and then tested positive.
Watney played Thursday's first round with compatriots Vaughn Taylor
and Luke List, who have not withdrawn from the tournament.
"A total of 369 individuals (players, caddies, essential personnel)
underwent on-site testing prior to the start of the tournament, with
zero positive results," the PGA Tour said in a statement.
"For the health and well-being of all associated with the tournament
and those within the community, the Tour has begun implementing its
response plan in consultation with medical experts including working
with those who may have had close contact with Nick."
American Webb Simpson leads at the half-way stage on 12-under par
with Bryson DeChambeau one back. German veteran Bernhard Langer also
made the cut at the 7.1-million-dollar event after a second day 67
followed his opening 69 on the par 70 course.