[Golf Topic] PGA Tour "COVID-19 Test Fees Charged to Unvaccinated Players~"

Jay Monahan PGA Tour Commissioner

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour will charge COVID-19 testing fees to unvaccinated players.

On the 20th (Korean time), it was announced that "starting this summer, players who have not been vaccinated will be required to pay for COVID-19 testing," and "players who have been vaccinated will not need to undergo COVID-19 testing." This implies that "players must be vaccinated to participate in tournaments." Since resuming in June last year, the PGA Tour has conducted COVID-19 tests on players, with all testing costs fully covered by the PGA Tour.

The PGA will stop COVID-19 testing at the end of June, likely right after the Travelers Championship or the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Going forward, players wishing to participate in tournaments must provide proof of a negative PCR test. Players who have completed vaccination and passed 14 days will be exempt from COVID-19 testing and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, may hold small gatherings without masks. However, social distancing and mask-wearing will still be required at tournaments.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) will allow limited spectators at the major US Women's Open and US Open. It announced that "entry will be permitted only to those who have been vaccinated or can prove a negative COVID-19 test result." This policy was made in consultation with California state health authorities. The US Women's Open will be held on June 4 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, and the US Open on June 18 at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Even if vaccinated, fans, staff, and volunteers must wear masks.