PGA TOUR will end weekly COVID-19 testing in late July
The PGA TOUR will end its weekly COVID-19 testing requirements in late July, according to ESPN's Bob Harig.
Beginning at the 3M Open in Minneapolis, golfers won't be required to produce a negative test to compete, regardless of their vaccination status. The only players still forced to take a test will be unvaccinated individuals who have come in contact with a person who has contracted COVID-19.
"We are pleased to announce, after consultation with PGA TOUR medical advisors, that due to the high rate of vaccination among all constituents on the PGA TOUR, as well as other positively trending factors across the country, testing for COVID-19 will no longer be required as a condition of competition beginning with the 3M Open," senior vice president of the PGA TOUR Tyler Dennis wrote in a memo to players.
The stipend for players who test positive will also end.
Following Jon Rahm's forced withdrawal at the Memorial Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test, the TOUR's Andy Levinson estimated that slightly over 50% of members were vaccinated. However, that number has since increased to over 80%, according to Golf Channel's George Savaricas.
Just talked with @PGATOUR; the fully vaccinated rate now exceeds 80%, was above 50% @MemorialGolf.
— George Savaricas (@GeorgeSavaricas) June 29, 2021
The rise over the past month isn't solely tied to @JonRahmpga situation, a number of players were awaiting 2nd dose and are now considered "fully vaccinated key constituents."
Fully vaccinated players haven't needed to take a pre-tournament test since April.