Just like the PGA Tour, the PGA of America will require participants to take a COVID-19 test before the PGA championship next month, as well as outlining numerous tips for the safe practices that precede and during the tournament week.
The PGA championship, which was reprogrammed from May to 6-9 August at San Francisco’s Harding Park, will be the first of three major championships conducted in 2020, with the Open canceled. If a player tests positive, he will not be able to participate in the championship.
The PGA also recommended – but does not require – that players and caddies perform a COVID-19 test the week before leaving for the championship, according to a digital manual sent to the players and obtained by ESPN.
The organization offers a hotel for players and caddies and encourages everyone to stay there, although it allows the use of recreational vehicles and rental homes.
Family members, agents and managers will not be admitted to Harding Park, but up to two trainers, as well as a physical instructor and interpreter (if necessary), subject to COVID-19 tests will be admitted. No one will be authorized on the ground before obtaining a negative result and all tests will be carried out away from Harding Park, starting from August 2nd.
The PGA does not allow courtesy cars and requires players and caddies to rent cars; nor is a shuttle service available, but courtesy transport from the hotel to and from the course will be provided.
“The success of the PGA championship health and wellness plan depends on each participant who adheres to its policies,” wrote the PGA of America in its introduction. “The basis of the plan is social distancing which is our best defense against the spread of COVID-19. Everyone should maintain an adequate physical distance (6 feet) at all times. We also ask you to limit your exposure while maintaining the philosophy” safer at home “throughout the league week, while in Harding Park. ”
The event will take place without spectators in Harding Park, where Rory McIroy won the 2015 WGC-Match Play Championship, where the United States defeated the international team at the 2009 Presidential Cup and where Tiger Woods won a sudden death playoff on John Daly at the 2005 WGC-American Express Invitational.
Brooks Koepka is the reigning PGA champion and is looking to win the event for the third consecutive year.
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