Cameron Champ returns to PGA Tour after Covid-19 policy change

Tweak covers players who test positive but are asymptomatic

Cameron Champ, one of six players to test positive for Covid-19, has been added to the field for this week's event in Detroit after three subsequent negative tests

Cameron Champ, one of six players so far to test positive for Covid-19 since the PGA Tour's return last month, has been medically cleared to play in this week's event in Detroit.

The American has been added to the field for the Rocket Mortgage Classic after becoming the first player to benefit from a change to the US circuit's health and safety plan for dealing with the virus.

Since its inception, 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 circuit is in week four of its return and following several asymptomatic positive tests followed by negative tests – and after direct consultation with the CDC – it is transitioning to the CDC’s test-based model.

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.

Champ tested positive on 23 June and had three subsequent negative tests in the 72 hours that immediately followed that positive result (24 hours apart).

“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, who has been added to the field in Detroit.

“It is a great example of everyone being committed to working together to adapt and evolve in this constantly changing environment.”

Harris English and Chad Campbell, who tested positive earlier this week but were asymptomatic, will be eligible for next week’s events, if they each return two negative tests results, a minimum of 24 hours apart.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “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.”

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