This week’s Open Championship has suffered a growing number of late withdrawals due to the impact of Covid-19, with reigning Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson both confirming that they will not be teeing it up at Royal St George’s on Thursday.
Bubba Watson is among a number of high profile players who will not be playing at the 149th Open Championship due to Covid-related issues
Matsuyama tested positive for Covid-19 in the US on July 2, but he has showed no symptoms and retained hope of travelling to England. The return of further positive PCR tests, however, and an inability to break free from isolation means Matsuyama will miss the fourth and final major of the year, a tournament already affected by player withdrawals.
“I’m feeling fine, but haven’t been able to practise in preparation for the Open,” Matsuyama said. “Combining that with the difficult travel to the UK, my team and I have decided it’s best to withdraw to ensure everyone’s safety. I feel badly missing the Open and look forward to playing again at St Andrews next year. I’d like to thank the many golf fans for their continued concern and support as I strive to return to the game I love as soon as possible.”
Watson said that he had had “direct exposure” to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, which ruled out a trip the UK for the season’s final major. “While I am vaccinated and have passed the required pre-travel Covid test, not enough time has passed for me to comfortably join the charter flight [from the US] and risk exposure to the other players and personnel on board,” he said. Brendan Steele, from California, has stepped from the reserve list to take Watson’s spot.
England’s Adam Long and Sam Horsfield and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli have all earned a late call up for the championship after other withdrawals due to Covid. Long replaces America’s Ryan Moore who is recovering from a back injury and is not taking up the exemption earned at the John Deere Classic. Horsfield replaces 2015 Open Champion Zach Johnson and Frittelli replaces Louis de Jager, after both players tested positive for the virus.
Even before Matsuyama’s and Watson’s withdrawals, Matthew Wolff, K H Lee, Danny Lee, Kevin Na, Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae had all announced they would not travel to the 149th Open Championship. Given the scale of international travel for many participants, there remains the prospect of further disruption before the tournament begins on Thursday.
Up to 32,000 spectators per day will be able to attend this week’s Open Championship. Players and caddies will be required to adhere to strict bubble conditions, which prohibit them from visiting bars and restaurants while in Kent.
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