Nick Watney has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage after becoming the first player to test positive for coronavirus since the resumption of the PGA Tour.
"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," the Tour confirmed in a statement.
"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."
Under the tour's rules he must now self-quarantine for 10 days and have two negative coronavirus tests 24 hours apart before getting cleared to compete again.
