Golf instructor Pete Cowen believes he may be suffering from the coronavirus.
That is according to a story in The Daily Telegraph, though Cowen notes he hasn’t been tested. In the story, he expressed surprise that he hasn’t been tested given his age, 69, and despite having many of the symptoms.
“You really don’t want this,” Cowen said. “I’m feeling horrendous and wouldn’t wish this on anyone; no matter how young and fit they may be.”
Cowen was once tabbed “the best instructor nobody knows” by one golf publication and he has helped eight different golfers win majors, including Brooks Koepka (U.S. Open and PGA Championships) and Gary Woodland (U.S. Open) most recently.
“If there is such a thing, he might be the best teacher,” golf instructor Bill Harmon said of Cowen in a 2017 New York Times article.
Cowen coached Lee Westwood to World No. 1 in October 2010, ending the 281-week reign of Tiger Woods, and rebuilt Henrik Stenson’s swing, which led to victory at the 2016 British Open. Cowen attended the Honda Classic last month, where rookie sensation Viktor Hovland asked for help on his short game, as well as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he spent time with Koepka, and the Players Championship in March, where he worked with Woodland before the event was canceled.
“I’ve talked to Pete over the last couple days and he’s said he thinks he has the virus and has been in isolation feeling horrible,” Woodland told Golfweek in a text. “My thoughts and prayers are with him and everyone during this time. My family and I are at home feeling great trying to entertain three kids under 3. We are healthy and have no symptoms.”
Steve DiMeglio contributed to this story.
