New update to the PGA TOUR health and safety plan, based on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) duration protocols. For all positive COVID-19 test results, a minimum 10-day self-isolation period is required from players and caddies.

PGA TOUR & COVID-19: update of the health and safety plan

© PGA TOUR

NEW - Policy change regarding players who test positive but asymptomatic

Now that the PGA TOUR is in its fourth week of returning to golf and after several asymptomatic positive tests followed by negative tests - and after direct consultation with the CDC - we are moving to the CDC's test-based model, with its support. In the future, as per CDC guidelines, a player or caddy who tests positive for COVID-19 but has not had symptoms may return to competition if they return two negative test results, at a minimum. 24 hour intervals.

The policy change will take effect immediately. Cameron Champ - who tested positive on June 23 and had three negative tests within 72 hours of that positive result immediately (24 hours apart) - has been medically cleared to play in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Like all players, Champ will continue to be subject to the arrival tests once there in Detroit.

"I am extremely grateful for the tireless efforts and conversations between the PGA TOUR, my team and all the experts who were consulted in order to achieve this best possible result"said the champion. “This is a great example of everyone's commitment to working together to adapt and evolve in this constantly changing environment. I especially want to thank my fellow players for their support and look forward to playing with them tomorrow in Detroit ”.

PGA TOUR players Harris English and Chad Campbell, and Korn Ferry Tour players Brandon Wu and Jonathan Hodge - who tested positive earlier this week but have not shown any symptoms - will be eligible for the events of the next week, if they choose to undergo a testing regimen while waiting for them to each return two negative results, a minimum of 24 hours apart.

NEW - Adjustment of the allowance program and home trial protocols

In an effort to further encourage players and caddies to use the home test kits, two important changes are being made to the allowance program, following consultation with the player directors and the chair of the PGA TOUR Player Advisory Board.

  • To be entitled to the allowance applicable following a positive on-site test, a player or caddy returning from a week off must have carried out a home check the week before his return to play.
  • The allowance amounts have been adjusted to make them equal for a positive result on site or at home.

The allowance program for a positive home test is applicable only to players who were eligible for the following week's event (including the top 10 substitutes), the player or caddy will not receive an allowance if they does not follow protocols established in the PGA TOUR Participant Resource Guide / Health and Safety Plan.

The TOUR will provide players and caddies with additional free home test kits.

Comment from Jay Monahan, Commissioner in charge of the PGA TOUR

“As we all learn more about how to navigate this complicated COVID-19 environment, we appreciate the ongoing dialogue with medical experts and with the Centers for Disease Control directly, as we refine our health plan and security accordingly. Today's changes - and those announced last week - illustrate our commitment to preserving the health and well-being of our athletes, our constituents and our impact on the communities in which we play, as well as our commitment to make judicious medical adjustments that allow our players to compete safely. The continued success of our return to golf depends on this approach ”.

For reference, the previously announced updates to the health and safety plan (for the Rocket Mortgage Classic)

  • Those traveling through the PGA TOUR charter will be subject to the arrival test procedures (nasal swab) in addition to the pre-charter test.
  • Player instructors have been added to the on-site testing protocol (i.e. " the bubble ").
  • The PGA TOUR Sponsored Fitness Trailer will be on site to better control the environment in which our players interact (i.e. you will be discouraged from going to offsite gyms etc.
  • The allocation policy has been updated to clarify that a player will not be eligible if they have tested positive for COVID-19 after failing to follow the safety protocols described in our Resource Guide for participants.
  • Players and caddies, as well as all other individuals "Inside the bubble", will not be allowed to enter the property until they have been previously checked by a negative test carried out on the market during the pre-tournament check (previously, players and caddies could be on site to train while waiting for the test results upon arrival, but without access to indoor facilities). Note: Due to the increased lead times for obtaining test results on the Korn Ferry route, this change will not be applied on this route at this time.

To know more : https://www.pgatour.com

To read our last article on the same subject :

Covid-19: two new positive tests on the PGA Tour