The PGA TOUR has confirmed that Nick Watney has tested positive for COVID-19 and subsequently withdrawn from the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C.
Watney had “symptoms consistent with the illness” and consulted a doctor. He was administered a test and found to be positive.
Watney played the first round with Luke List and Vaughn Taylor.
“I got the news at the turn,” Taylor said. “Clay came up to us and felt like we should know. So I was a little shocked, to be honest. Heart started racing, got a little nervous. Just hope Nick’s doing well and we get through this.”
“We knew Nick didn’t show up and he wasn’t feeling well, so there was some speculation in the beginning, but we didn’t think about it for a little bit,” List said. “Then after nine, we were informed. Yeah, it was hard to concentrate out there for me, just thinking about different stuff, and I wasn’t playing my best anyway.”
So it was a little — it would be nice if they had an option you can kind of say if you want to know or not in a situation like that. I would definitely like to find out after the round next time.
Watney tested negative upon arrival to the tournament. He did not travel on the PGA TOUR charter from last week’s event in Fort Worth.
See below for the PGA TOUR’s full statement:
PGA TOUR member Nick Watney has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage prior to the second round after testing positive for COVID-19. On Friday, prior to arriving at the tournament, he indicated he had symptoms consistent with the illness and after consulting with a physician, was administered a test and found to be positive.
Nick will have the PGA TOUR’s full support throughout his self-isolation and recovery period under CDC guidelines. For the health and well-being of all associated with the tournament and those within the community, the TOUR has begun implementing its response plan in consultation with medical experts including working with those who may have had close contact with Nick.
Watney, who traveled privately to Hilton Head Island for the tournament and was not on the PGA TOUR-provided charter flight, tested negative upon arrival. He is the first PGA TOUR member to test positive for Coronavirus. A total of 369 individuals (players, caddies, essential personnel) underwent on-site testing prior to the start of the tournament, with zero positive results.
The PGA TOUR will have no additional comment at this time and we ask media and fans to respect the privacy of Nick and his family.
