European Tour disqualifies American John Catlin for breaking coronavirus protocols

On Wednesday, the European Tour announced that American golfer John Catlin and caddie Nathan Mulrooney were withdrawn from this week's English Championship because they violated the competition's coronavirus health and safety protocols.

South African Wilco Nienaber replaced Catlin.

Per the official statement, Catlin and Mulrooney visited a restaurant located outside the tournament bubble on Aug. 4, "hence compromising the Tour’s health guidelines."

Catlin admitted the error of his ways:

"I apologize to my fellow players and everyone involved with the tournament this week for this error of judgment. I understand the European Tour's decision and accept the sanction."

Back in June, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan warned of "serious repercussions" for players who failed to follow safety guidelines and, thus, potentially endangered tournaments or even the completion of the season.