No. 1 seed Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from this week’s CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas after testing positive for COVID-19.
Johnson, according to the PGA Tour, was experiencing symptoms, prompted for testing. As part of the PGA Tour’s coronavirus testing protocol, players are tested each week before traveling and on site.
“Obviously, I’m very disappointed,” said ’23-time PGA Tour winner Johnson, who won the Tour Championship last month and thus the FedEx Cup title. “I was really looking forward to the competition this week but I will do everything I can. To get back as soon as possible. I have already had a few calls with the tour’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me.”
According to David Winkle, Johnson’s agent at Hambrick Sports, the golfer took a test on-site on Sunday that was negative. But he started feeling symptoms on Sunday night, stayed away from the course on Monday and didn’t feel well on Tuesday, so he took a test that came back positive.
Since the symptoms started on Sunday, it is possible that Johnson will return to next week’s Zozo Championship until his symptoms subside. He will not be able to practice on site before the tournament.
Johnson has not played since finishing sixth at the US Open last month. It’s also possible he could play at the Houston Open a week before the Masters, which is November 12-15.
Johnson has been one of the most consistent players in the late game, finishing sixth at his start at the US Open, winning the Tour Championship, finishing second in the BMW Championship, winning Northern Trust and second in the PGA. Championship. He will be in the Masters favorites next month. Johnson has become the second player in a week to test positive for COVID-19.
Tony Finau withdrew from last week’s Children’s Open for Children’s Shrine Hospitals due to a positive test. He also returned from the CJ Cup field and has been replaced by Robbie Shelton.
The PGA Tour has successfully returned to the competition after a 13-week shutdown due to a coronavirus epidemic. Johnson is the 15th player to announce a positive test of the tour. Prior to the finale, two players tested positive at the US Open, but before that no positive case was pulled for six weeks.
JT Poston was the first alternate and replaces Johnson in the 78-man field.
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