PGA Tour is cracking down on COVID-19 safety protocols

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced new measures after five players withdrew.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had a stern message on Wednesday on the eve of the Travelers Championship: we’ve got to do better in enforcing COVID-19 protocols.

Monahan took to the podium for an impromptu press conference following news that three players had to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19 concerns. Cameron Champ tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, while Graeme McDowell and Brooks Koepka pulled out after their caddies tested positive. Webb Simpson, last week’s winner at the RBC Heritage, and Koepka’s brother, Chase, have also pulled out, although neither they nor their caddie returned a positive test.

In light of the withdrawals, and with the possibility the Travelers could be canceled altogether, Monahan said on Wednesday the tour is tightening its protocols. Players who fly into the tournament site on the tour’s charter flight will be tested when they arrive; previously, they only had to undergo a test before boarding the plane. Instructors who accompany players to the tournament will also now be subject to the same level of testing. Starting next week, the tour will bring in a fitness trailer to prevent players from going to off-site gyms. And violation of these protocols will also be punished; anyone who doesn’t adhere to them won’t be eligible for the $100,000 stipend if they have to withdraw.

“We’re just going to continue to refine, and get better and better, and identify ways where we can further mitigate any risk,” Monahan said. “I think everybody should expect that you’re going to have more tests as we go forward. And we’re going to be very sensitive to the specifics of every single test, but we’re going to be spending a ton of time making sure that we’re reinforcing the strong protocols that we have.”

Having players stick to the guidelines is going to be a challenge. Champ, who joined Nick Watney as the only players to test positive during the tour’s restart, reportedly was working out in the clubhouse while awaiting his test result. Justin Thomas called the situation last week at Harbour Town a “zoo,” with hardly anyone following social distancing. Among tour players, fist bumps and close interaction that was supposed to be limited under the tour’s protocols have returned. Monahan, though, doesn’t put the blame solely on the players.

“I think this has been a big adjustment for everybody,” he said. “And I think everybody’s intentions have been very, very good. And everybody is taking their responsibility seriously. I don’t question that at all.

“I think over the first couple of weeks we’ve seen some instances where, let’s say we’ve gotten a little bit lax or away from protocol. Full disclosure, I’ve done it myself. And I think that’s the kind of tightening we need to do in order to ensure that we continue to be in a good position to move forward.”

Monahan could’ve canceled the event on Wednesday, but he’s instead putting his trust in the players and staff to do better. He wouldn’t give a number for the amount of positive tests before the tour decides it’s too many and insists the Memorial next month is still going forward with fans in attendance. The PGA Tour beat the other major sports leagues back to action following a three-month layoff, and they take that responsibility to the fans seriously.

“We feel a great responsibility to inspire people and to be in their living rooms Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We feel like we’re on a path that’s going to allow us to continue to sustain our return to golf,” he said. “But rest assured, there won’t be many sleepless nights. There usually aren’t. When you’re working in a world of uncertainty these are the things you worry about. But also rest assured that the PGA Tour will always do the right thing as it relates to our players, our fans, our constituents, and make sure we create the safest environment possible.”

The tour is determined to plow forward with their revised schedule, despite the positive tests. It’s been a successful return for the first two weeks, but how much longer they can continue to go on will depend on what they learned this week and how they adapt in the coming weeks.