Tour Says 85% Of "Constituents" Vaccinated But Bryson's Going To Wait Until It's Really, Really Mainstream

Bob Harig at ESPN.com with a couple of stories worth checking out if you’re not totally exhausted by First World COVID issues.

The Tour gave updated numbers on vaccination and while their testing program has ended a bit too soon given the Delta variant, the numbers are encouraging for conducting safe events.

From the story:

"Given the increase in cases across the country, resumption of some level of serial testing is a possibility," said Andy Levinson, senior vice president, tournament administration for the PGA Tour, in an email. "However, at this time with our high vaccination rates across core constituents, our medical advisors have not recommended testing of asymptomatic individuals regardless of vaccination status."

The PGA Tour reported that 85% of its "constituents' are fully vaccinated. That includes a rate above 70% for players and above 90% for caddies. Others who were included and were routinely tested at tournaments: rules officials, tournament administrators and media relations personnel.

This was overshadowed by Bryson DeChambeau’s return from a mild bout with COVID and his insistence that he not get vaccinated then or now.

DeChambeau seems to believe there are vaccine shortages.

"I'm young enough, I'd rather give it [the vaccine] to people who need it. I don't need it. I'm a healthy, young individual that will continue to work on my health.

"I don't think taking the vaccine away from someone who needs it is a good thing. My dad is a perfect example. He got it [the vaccine] early on because he's a diabetic. People like that need to get it. My mom got it. I don't want to take away that ability."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there are no vaccine shortages in the United States.

DeChambeau added: "Now as time goes on, if it [the vaccine] is mainstream, really, really mainstream, then yeah."

On this topic, I wrote in this week’s Quadrilateral about the oddity of having rambunctious team bonding activities indoors at the Ryder Cup.