HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Nick Watney withdrew from the RBC Heritage on Friday prior to the second round after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to the PGA Tour, Watney indicated he had symptoms consistent with the virus. After consulting with a physician, he took a COVID-19 test which turned out to the positive.
Watney shot 74 in the first round before withdrawing on Friday.
Watney traveled privately to Hilton Head Island. He tested negatively on Monday here on the island.
He is the first PGA Tour player to test positive for the coronavirus.
Watney will isolate for at least 10 days nearby.
There were 369 tests of players, caddies, and essential personnel prior to the start of the RBC Heritage. There were no positive results.
The PGA Tour has begun implementing its response plan in consultation with medical experts including working with those who may have had close contact with Watney, including his caddie, Tony Navarro, and playing partners, Luke List and Vaughn Taylor.
The PGA Tour had no additional comment.
