2015 champion Zach Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, out of The Open golf tournament

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SANDWICH, England – A potential disaster at the Open was averted when Zach Johnson’s positive COVID-19 test returned before he boarded a charter flight with players, managers and caddies at destination of England at this week’s tournament at Royal St. George’s.

Johnson, 45, a two-time winner of major championships including the 2015 Open, was tested after the final round of the John Deere Classic on Sunday, as were the other players and everyone who had to make the trip.

All received rapid results PCR tests which returned within 90 minutes. Johnson, who finished tied for 34th in the John Deere Classic, tested positive and withdrew from the Open.

Johnson expressed his disappointment in a Twitter post on Monday.

Due to the close contact rules implemented in the UK which are part of the Open protocols, any of the other players on the flight would have been subject to exclusion from the tournament had Johnson surrendered and had tested positive in England.

The John Deere Classic had 16 players from its field on the flight that was due to land on Monday morning.

Johnson was asked last week about the strict rules in place for The Open.

“The way I see it, quite honestly, it’s like the current situation here with the exception of the six time zones, is that I’m going to do a test here before I go, God willing, that’s negative, and when I pass there I guess I’ll be tested again, “he said.” Again, I guess, and I think that’s a fair enough guess, that they’re looking for improving the whole and not just us the players. It’s kind of what I do every week anyway, and that’s good. ”

Johnson was replaced on the field by England’s Sam Horsfield based on a reserve list taken from the official golf world rankings.

Ryan Moore, who qualified for the Open thanks to his tie for second at John Deere, declined his spot and was replaced on the pitch by Adam Long. Another player, Louis de Jager from South Africa, tested positive and was replaced by Dylan Frittelli.

For a variety of reasons, including several related to COVID-19 testing and travel protocols, 16 players have either withdrawn or withdrew from the Open, which begins Thursday.



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