Golfers withdraw from Joburg Open ahead of travel restrictions

Paul Dunne hits his tee shot on the 7th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

British, Irish golfers withdraw from Joburg Open ahead of U.K. travel restrictions

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/26/21

A gaggle of golfers participating in the Joberg Open in Johannesburg, South Africa this week withdrew before the second round of the tournament could get underway on Friday.

ESPN said that British and Irish golfers participating in the tournament withdrew after the U.K. government announced heavy restrictions on flights from South Africa "to counter the spread of a new COVID-19 variant."

All Irish players withdraw from joberg open with covid fears out there ⁦@IrishGolfDesk⁩ pic.twitter.com/qw2dKSHQqr
— Declan Basquille (@declanbasquille) November 26, 2021

Over a dozen pro golfers from the UK and Ireland have pulled out of the Joberg Open in South Africa and are flying home to beat travel restrictions imposed because of a new covid variant. Health minister says it may be more contagious than Delta. https://t.co/3kGecNSKqw
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 26, 2021

The travel restrictions also apply to five other southern African countries. It requires anyone traveling from these countries after 12 p.m. GMT on Friday to self-isolate for 10 days upon returning to the country. Beginning Sunday morning, travelers must quarantine in a hotel.

The rest of the Joburg Open will go on as scheduled.

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