CROMWELL, Conn. _ After just one golfer tested positive for coronavirus through the first two weeks of the PGA Tour startup, three people on Tour have tested positive since Tuesday at the Travelers Championship: golfer Cameron Champ, and caddies Ricky Elliot and Ken Comboy.
Elliot caddies for Brooks Koepka, who withdrew from the tournament when the test results came back. Comboy, who did not travel to Connecticut, caddies for Graeme McDowell, who also withdrew. Chase Koepka, brother of Brooks, withdrew out of an abundance of caution after playing a practice round with Brooks and McDowell on Tuesday. Webb Simpson, who won the RBC Heritage tournament on Sunday in Hilton Head, S.C., also withdrew.
Koepka said he had taken the pandemic as serious as anyone, placing his entire team on lockdown, traveling with his own weights, and keeping to himself while not at the course. Still, someone from his camp tested positive and forced a withdrawal. Even PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan said Wednesday that it would be disingenuous to say that another golfer or caddie won't test positive for COVID-19 in the coming weeks.
Still, the show continues on the Tour. Monahan said Tuesday that the Tour will continue to refine its health and safety protocol, with increased testing for golfers, caddies and coaches, as well as a fitness trailer on site, and a stipend for golfers who test positive.
Some golfers in Cromwell for the Travelers Championship have voiced their opinions on what the Tour has done so far, how comfortable they feel playing, and changes they may like to see. Here's what they had to say.
