COVID-19 Vaccine: PGA Tour Assures Players They Won't Get Microchipped

This Frenchie has Been microchipped but for different reasons

Hey it’s still April. Just not the 1st.

But it seems the PGA Tour’s finest are more vaccine resistant than we could have imagined. Bob Harig reports for ESPN.com story on the PGA Tour wrapping up its incredibly successful on-site COVID-19 testing this June. Parts of a memo to players reveal that those choosing not to be vaccinated will be responsible for the cost and burden of getting tested if they want to chase points.

• "The COVID 19 vaccine has been administered to over 700 million people worldwide. There have been very few significant side effects reported. Once a vaccine is authorized for use, monitoring continues with systems in place to track problems or side effects that were not detected in clinical trials.''


Apparently enough have shared crackpot theories to the Global Home that the brass addressed them. In writing.

• "There are common misconceptions and concerns about infertility, altering DNA, microchipping, becoming infected with COVID as a result of the COVID 19 vaccine. These misconceptions and concerns are false.''


The microchip conspiracy theory. Common? Only in some circles. At one time 28% of Americans thought the vaccine would come (free of charge!) with the Bill Gates microchip. The origins of the theory—brace for shocking plot twist—appear to be Russian.

Besides highlighting the conspiratorial tendencies of the PGA Tour membership, let’s not underestimate the role of staggering ignorance. Harig quotes an anonymous player who probably isn’t reading much:

"I've had 60-plus tests, all negative,'' said one veteran PGA Tour player who wished not to be identified. "My caddie and I have been through every airport, public transportation, you name it, without getting COVID. But the tour is going to make it a pain for us if we don't take it. They are not forcing you, but it will be a pain if you don't.''

Also, it would be a pain to finally get the virus after all that time and give it to someone you love. Or anyone.

The player said he would be more receptive to getting a shot if it is the Johnson & Johnson version, which has been put on hold by the Centers for Disease Control. The vaccine requires just one shot, and some players are leery of potential side effects associated with two doses and how that might impact their playing schedule.

Now that’s devotion to one’s self on a spectacular level. But FedExCup points will do funny things to people.