Nick Watney has become the first PGA Tour member to test positive for Covid-19 and consequently withdrew from the on-going RBC Heritage prior to the start of the second round.
Along with other players, caddies and PGA Tour staff, the 39-year-old American had tested negative upon arrival at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. However, Watney began feeling symptoms consistent with Covid-19 on Friday morning and was tested again. The 2012 CIMB Classic winner had carded an opening round of three-over-par 74 on Thursday.
The PGA Tour released a statement on their website, noting as follows:
“PGA TOUR member Nick Watney has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage prior to the second round after testing positive for COVID-19. On Friday, prior to arriving at the tournament, he indicated he had symptoms consistent with the illness and after consulting with a physician, was administered a test and found to be positive.
“Nick will have the PGA TOUR’s full support throughout his self-isolation and recovery period under CDC guidelines. 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.
“Watney, who traveled privately to Hilton Head Island for the tournament and was not on the PGA TOUR-provided charter flight, tested negative upon arrival. He is the first PGA TOUR member to test positive for Coronavirus. 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 will have no additional comment at this time and we ask media and fans to respect the privacy of Nick and his family.”
Webb Simpson leads the tournament at the halfway stage on 12-under-par, one shot ahead of Bryson DeChambeau and Corey Conners.
