Golfers to face strict COVID-19 protocols at British Open

PGA Tour players who travel to next month's British Open will be subject to more strict protocols and procedures than they've seen in months. 

According to a "Player Information Update" sent out this week and obtained by ESPN's Bob Harig, the Open Championship at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, England, will operate under "strict government oversight." 

Players will not be allowed to share accommodations and will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing even if they have been vaccinated. They also will not be allowed to visit restaurants, pubs or grocery stores, all of which have been permitted at PGA Tour events in the United States. 

"All accredited players, caddies and player support team members including family members will be subject to strict 'inner bubble' restrictions for the duration of their time at the Championship and must not mix with members of the general public in restaurants, supermarkets or other public areas,'' the update said. "No one outside the accommodation buddy group is permitted to visit others in self-catering/private accommodation. This would be seen as a breach of the COVID-19 protocols and could lead to withdrawal from the Championship.''

Players may also be removed from the tournament if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. 

An anonymous player recently told Golf Week that he thought about not participating in the British Open because of the strict protocols.

"I'm going to go because it's the British Open. But I certainly thought about not going," he said. "I just can't believe with the numerous examples of successfully run, safely held tournaments and majors here that they can't figure out a better situation."

While players and their team members are subject to strict protocols, the tournament is permitted to allow 32,000 fans per day, which is the largest number of spectators allowed at any golf event since the start of the pandemic.