NEW YORK • American Harris English was named on Monday as the fifth US PGA Tour player to test positive for Covid-19 since the tour’s three-month shutdown ended on June 11.

He became the second player in as many days to test positive after the PGA toughened coronavirus safety measures.

The tour said in a statement that English, who did not play last week in Connecticut, tested positive during the pre-tournament screening process for the Rocket Mortgage Classic that starts tomorrow.

English withdrew from the PGA’s fourth comeback tournament and will begin self-isolation under Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and tour protocols.

“While it’s disappointing to receive this news, as I feel healthy, I’m pleased that the new safety protocols we have in place worked this week,” English said in a statement.

“I fully supported the tour’s new rule of not allowing anyone on the tournament grounds until testing negative, as protecting others in the field and every affiliated with the tournament and the community should be the number one priority as a result of a positive test.

“I appreciate the tour’s support and I look forward to competing again after I’m fully recovered.” — AFP