First Covid-19 case reported at Scottish golf tournament

One of the competitors in this week's European Tour event in Scotland has been withdrawn from the tournament after testing positive for Covid-19.

European Tour officials withdrew South African Jbe' Kruger from this week's Scottish Championship in Fife after he tested positive for Covid-19. Picture: Getty Images

South African Jbe' Kruger was pulled out of the Scottish Championship, which starts at Fairmont St Andrews on Thursday, after receiving the news.

The 34-year-old, who won the Avantha Masters in 2012, had not exhibited any symptoms before being tested upon his arrival at the Fife venue on Monday morning as part of the pre-tournament screening process.

"He will now remain in self-isolation for a minimum of ten days in accordance with mandatory Public Health Scotland and NHS Fife guidelines," said the European Tour in statement.

"During this period, he will also receive the full support of the European Tour and its on-site medical team.

"No other contacts were identified as part of the track and trace process other than Jbe’s caddie, his wife Denise, who will also be managed in accordance with Public Health guidelines.

Kruger is just the second player to be withdrawn from a European Tour event after testing positive for Covid-19 since the circuit restarted in July.

Frenchman Alex Levy had the same action taken against him after testing positive in the build up to the Celtic Classic in Wales in August.

On the PGA Tour, a number of players have tested positive, the latest being Tony Finau, who was withdrawn from last week's Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, won by Martin Laird, in Las Vegas.The men's and ladies' Scottish Open in East Lothian were both free from Covid cases, as was the Women's Open in Ayrshire.

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