British Open 2021: Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson steps down after being exposed to someone with COVID-19

Two-time major champion Bubba Watson announced on Sunday that he had withdrawn from the Open Championship after being directly exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest star golfer to withdraw from the major final of the circuit.

“Although I was vaccinated and passed the required Covid test prior to travel, not enough time had elapsed for me to comfortably join the charter flight and risk exposure to other players and the staff on board, ”Watson said. in a report. “I appreciate the advice of the R&A and its help in navigating UK policy in such situations.”

Watson, who won the 2012 and 2014 Masters, was joined on Sunday by 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama to withdraw from the event. Matsuyama recently tested positive for COVID-19 and cited this along with the lack of practice leading up to the Open as the reasons for his WD. World number 35 Matthew Wolff, one of the sport’s young superstars, also retired this weekend along with Danny Lee and KH Lee.

Late withdrawals have led to an ever-growing list of alternates. Watson will be replaced on the pitch by Brendan Steele, joining fellow American Harold Varner III in the open field after being raised following Matsuyama’s WD. Antoine Rozner, Andy Sullivan and Troy Merritt were also moved from the alternative list to the Open field this weekend.

Watson has played well on the Tour this season and he just finished T6 last weekend at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. In five of his last eight outings, he has finished at least in the top 20 of the standings.