Catriona Matthew says positive Covid test is 'very frustrating'

Catriona Matthew has spoken about feeling "very frustrated" to find herself in self-isolation after being withdrawn from this week's Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic following a positive COVID-19 test.

Catriona Matthew, pictured during the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in August, has been pulled out of this week's LET event in Dubai after a positive Covid-19 test

Europe's Solheim Cup captain was pulled out of the Ladies European Tour event yesterday along with England's Annabel Dimmock and Ursula Wilkstrom from Finland after testing positive for the virus on their arrival at the Emirates Golf Club on Monday.

Matthew had tested negative along with her husband/caddie Graeme at Heathrow en route to the Middle East.

Graeme remained negative after they were tested again in the UAE, but Catriona had a positive result and the pair are now in separate hotel rooms.

“I was in contact with very few people between testing and the result coming back,” Matthew, the 2009 Women's Open champion, told golfdigest.com.

“I’m not showing any symptoms, and neither are Annabel or Ursula, which is very frustrating.

"I’ll hopefully get tested again Wednesday morning. They have promised to put a rush on the result.”

Matthew, who wears a Whoop Strap to keep a check on symptoms, will also miss out on next week's inaugural $1 million Armaco Saudi Ladies International.

“The worst-case scenario is that I will have to stay here for two weeks,” added the 51-year-old North Berwick woman.

“Even if I have two negative tests the next two days there is no guarantee I’ll be able to fly home right away. But I’m hoping the LET people will talk to the Dubai authorities if that does happen.

“Graeme was only supposed to be here for four days, before going home on Friday. “It is so odd that I am positive, and he is not. It just shows how random it is.

"Close contacts of the other two players tested negative, too. None of it makes any sense. Now we just have to wait and see.”

On the PGA Tour, Harry Higgs has withdrawn from the Vivint Houston Open, which also starts today, after testing positive for the virus.

The event sees both world No 1 Dustin Johnson and former Masters champion Adam Scott make their returns after spells in isolation following recent positive tests.

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