Ryder Cup Captains Worry about COVID-19

Details: Category: Golf; Created: Friday, 24 September 2021 10:38

Ryder Cup captains included a coronavirus clause in their agreement. It would cover what they would do if there were a COVID-19 outbreak during the tournament. However, the European Tour and PGA of America would decide the final action in case of emergency.

According to a bookie software report, the coronavirus forced a delay in the holding of the event. As a result, American captain Steve Stricker and Europe's captain Padraig Harrington inserted a coronavirus clause into the captains' agreement.

Each team would have coronavirus envelopes with the names of three players that would sit out in case rivals need to withdraw after a positive COVID-19 test. In addition, according to a bookie pay per head guide, the tournament had an envelope for the Sunday singles matches that contained a player's name to sit if the opponent was injured or ill. Also, the organizers will declare the game halved and will require repairing.

Ryder Cup Captains and the Coronavirus

The COVID name envelop follows the tradition of the injury name in an envelope. Although the captains agreed to it, it is still unclear what the organizers' decisions would be. Foursomes and four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday don't require entire teams. Thus, teams can use substitutes for players not playing.

After Harrington raised the outbreak issue, organizers clarified their coronavirus protocols. It stated that they would assess the impact on the Ryder Cup on a case-to-case basis. Also, they would consider the number of players testing positive and whether they come from a single team or both teams.

The clarification also stated that if either team has a player testing positive before the opening ceremony, the captain can choose a replacement. As a result, captains keep a reserve in mind if ever they need to replace a player.

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