Branden Grace ruled out of PGA Championship after contracting coronavirus

South African was in a share of second at the Barracuda Championship in Nevada when he reported his symptoms

Branden Grace has been ruled out of next week’s US PGA Championship after testing positive for coronavirus during the Barracuda Championship.

The 32-year-old South African was in a share of second at the PGA Tour event in Nevada but withdrew ahead of the third round and will now go into isolation for 10 days.

“I felt great all week,” Grace said. “Last night, I was tired and thought it had to do with the altitude. This morning, I notified the PGA Tour about my symptoms before going to the golf course.

“I wanted to get tested out of respect for my peers and everyone involved with the tournament. While it is unfortunate given my position on the leaderboard, the most important thing is our health.”

A PGA Tour statement added: “The PGA Tour has implemented its response plan in consultation with medical experts, including working with those who may have had close contact with Grace.

“Grace’s caddie tested negative for Covid-19, but in accordance with CDC guidelines and Tour health and safety protocols, he will quarantine for a period of 14 days.

“After conducting necessary contact tracing, the Tour’s medical advisors are not recommending any additional testing at this time.

“Grace will have the PGA Tour’s full support throughout his self-isolation period of 10 days per CDC guidelines and Tour health and safety protocols.”

The rescheduled US PGA, which will be the first major of 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic, starts at TPC Harding Park on Thursday.

PA