The resumption of the PGA Tour’s season is still two weeks away, but players are already being reminded of steps they’ll need to take and the new normal in a COVID-19 world.
Overnight, Charles Schwab Challenge tournament director Michael Tothe sent a memo to players outlining the protocols that will be required when play begins on June 11 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Chief among them is maintaining a “bubble”, which includes the use of four area hotels by the tournament to house players and caddies.
Though players are allowed to stay in rented homes or RVs, they are encouraged to ensure the health and safety of any outside accommodations they choose.
Players were also informed of testing procedures, which will take place upon arrival at the hotel, and that food at the course will be limited to grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.
The tour has also told players and caddies that they will be required to take an at-home COVID-19 test three days before arrival at Colonial. The procedure will include taking saliva samples supervised by a doctor via video call before mailing the sample to a lab for testing.
Once at the tournament and after initial testing, players and caddies will receive daily temperature checks upon arrival at the golf course each day. Should someone register a high temperature, they will be tested again.
Players will also be tested again on Saturday of tournament week before being allowed to take the tour’s chartered flight on Monday to the next tournament.
