The PGA Tour announced over the weekend that individuals will not be allowed on tournament properties until passing a COVID-19 test. The announcement comes after players and caddies diagnosed with coronavirus visited both the RBC Heritage and Travelers Championship venues, while still awaiting test results.
“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,” read a statement. “Effective immediately with the Rocket Mortgage Classic, players and caddies, along with all other individuals ‘inside the bubble,’ will not be allowed on property until first being cleared with a negative in-market test.”
Earlier in the week, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan held an press conference announcing that further changes would be implemented. Changes to date have included additional testing for those traveling on the tour’s charter flights between events and the return next week of the tour’s fitness truck to encourage use of on-site facilities. Currently, eight players have withdrawn from tour events due to coronavirus-related concerns.