[Golf Topic] PGA Tour Resumes in June "What About Foreign Players' Entry?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○…"Professional sports players allowed to enter the country."

The resumption of the 2020 season of the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour is gaining momentum. Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, recently stated, "Americans need sports," and added, "It is time to bring the players back," followed by an announcement that "players will be exempted from the foreign entry ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic." This comes ahead of the Charles Schwab Challenge (total prize money $7.5 million) scheduled for June 11.

It has been three months since the first round of The Players Championship, known as the 'fifth major,' in March. The PGA Tour is preparing various countermeasures, including approximately 400 COVID-19 tests per tournament. Players, caddies, and related personnel undergo testing at designated accommodations. Daily health questionnaires and temperature checks are conducted, and a dedicated airplane is even operated. "We will rent a large passenger plane to transport players and caddies," they explained.

However, there remain obstacles for players currently residing abroad, such as in Europe. The main issue is the "two-week self-quarantine." Lee Westwood has already stated, "To participate in the PGA Tour, you must arrive in the U.S. 14 days before the tournament and then self-quarantine for another 14 days after returning home," adding, "I will not participate in the PGA Tour for the time being." Tommy Fleetwood (both from England) also added, "I do not want to stay in the U.S. for four months."