Golfer tests positive for COVID-19 at RBC Heritage

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 be positive.

Watney shot 74 in the first round before withdrawing on Friday. He had traveled privately to Hilton Head Island and 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.

“Nick will have the PGA Tour’s full support throughout his self-isolation and recovery period under CDC guidelines,” the PGA Tour said in a statement.

The PGA Tour had no additional comment.

There were 369 tests of players, caddies, and essential personnel prior to the start of the RBC Heritage. There were no positive results.

Watney, 39, is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour. He shot 71-74 to miss the cut last week in the Charles Schwab Challenge, when the PGA Tour returned to action after a 13-week break due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Last week, 487 COVID-19 tests were administered with zero positive results.

At Harbour Town, 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.

Taylor and List were told of Watney’s situation at the turn.

“I was a little shocked, to be honest,” said Taylor, who added he had no symptoms of the virus. “Heart started racing, got a little nervous. Just hope Nick’s doing well and we get through this.

“I’m going to get tested now. Our entire group is getting tested. I didn’t have any close contact with Nick yesterday. We kept our space. We didn’t shake hands. Right after the round, I washed my hands. Nick never coughed or sneezed. So I feel comfortable.”

Brooks Koepka said he saw Watney in the parking lot Friday.

“We’ve got to see what happens,” Koepka said. “It’s unfortunate Nick got it, but at the same time, hopefully, it stays with just him and doesn’t spread because I think we’ll have a big issue on our hands if it keeps going as the weeks continue.

“Everybody’s doing what they can to make it safe for us, for everybody. We’ll see what happens. Obviously, testing us every week, and we’re filling out surveys every day. I’ve got everybody on lockdown. My chef’s here. I brought my own weights. I basically brought my own gym with me.

“I don’t have to leave the house.”

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