The Champ Rule Provides Hope For The World's Asymptomatic PGA Tour Pros (If They Subsequently Test Negative Twice)
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No one knows anything, or so the saying goes. Especially in a time of pandemic where the unknowns and mysteries keep even experts guessing, so you can’t blame the PGA Tour for altering their guidelines almost daily. The latest adjustment comes in the case of Cameron Champ, who arrived last week from Houston, tested positive for COVID-19, withdrew but subsequently tested negative twice.
And now, he gets a rule in his honor.
For Immediate Release.
PGA TOUR Statement – Health & Safety Plan Updates
July 1, 2020
NEW – Change to policy re: players who test positive but are asymptomatic
Since the inception of the PGA TOUR Health and Safety Plan, the TOUR’s policy for all positive test results for players and caddies requires a minimum 10-day self-isolation period, based on the Centers for Disease Control’s time-based protocols.
Now that the TOUR is in week four of its Return to Golf and following several asymptomatic positive tests followed by negative tests – and after direct consultation with the CDC – we are transitioning to the CDC’s test-based model, with their support. Going forward, in accordance with CDC guidelines, a player or caddie who tests positive for COVID-19 but has not had any symptoms may return to competition if he returns two negative tests results, a minimum of 24 hours apart.
The policy change will go into effect immediately. Cameron Champ – who tested positive June 23 and had three subsequent negative tests in the 72 hours that immediately followed that positive result (24 hours apart) – has been medically cleared to play in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. As with all players, Champ will remain subject to arrival testing once on site in Detroit. He will be an addition to the field and assigned a 2:10 p.m. tee time (off of No. 10).
A single going out after the full field of 156 go off split tees. That’s quite a reward.
Ok, let’s boilerplate this candle:
“I am extremely grateful for the tireless efforts and conversations between the TOUR, my team and all of the experts who were consulted in order to deliver this best possible outcome,” said Champ.
That could have been him.
“It is a great example of everyone being committed to working together to adapt and evolve in this constantly changing environment. I would especially like to thank my fellow players for their support and cannot wait to tee it up with them in Detroit tomorrow!”
!!!!
PGA TOUR players Harris English and Chad Campbell, and Korn Ferry Tour players Brandon Wu and Jonathan Hodge – who tested positive earlier this week but were asymptomatic – will be eligible for next week’s events, if they choose to enter a testing regime and pending they each return two negative tests results, a minimum of 24 hours apart.
NEW – Adjustment to Stipend Program and At-Home Testing Protocols
In an effort to further encourage players and caddies to utilize at-home test kits,
Buried(ish) lede alert…that free at-home option has not been a hit.
Because why do that when you can travel all the way to the venue before getting the bad news?
Of course, in many cities across the country folks are waiting hours and hours to get tested, if they’re lucky enough to get one. The system is strained. Wait times and availability have become an issue and labs are struggling to keep up.
So guys, take the free at-home test. Continue…
two significant changes are being made to the Stipend Program, after consultation with the Player Directors and PGA TOUR Player Advisory Council Chairman.
To be eligible for the applicable stipend following an on-site positive test, a player or caddie returning from an off week must have completed an at-home test the week prior to returning to play.
The stipend amounts have been adjusted to make them equal for an on-site positive or an at-home positive test result.
Translation: on site positive tests have to be made public, while home positives stay private.
The stipend program for an at-home positive test is applicable only to players who were eligible for the following week’s event (including the top 10 alternates), and a player or caddie will not receive a stipend if he does not follow the protocols set forth in the Participant Resource Guide / PGA TOUR Health & Safety Plan or otherwise acts in a reckless manner with respect to the protocols, including any local health department regulations that may be in effect.
Uh, so, like in cities where masks and distancing is required outdoors won’t this cause problems for most of the field?
The TOUR will be providing players and caddies with additional complimentary at-home test kits.
Comment from PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan
“As we all learn more about how to navigate this complicated COVID-19 environment, we appreciate the continued dialogue with medical experts and with the Centers for Disease Control directly as we fine-tune our Health & Safety Plan accordingly. Today’s changes – and those announced over the past week – illustrate our commitment to preserving the health and well-being of our athletes, constituents and our impact on the communities in which we play, as well as a willingness to make medically-sound adjustments that allow our players to compete, safely. The continued success of our Return to Golf depends on that approach.”
Hall of Fame worthy, some say.
