PGA Tour encouraging but not mandating COVID-19 vaccines

Reports surfaced last week that the PGA Tour informed players and caddies that they would not need to participate in on-site COVID-19 testing if they were fully vaccinated against the virus.

ESPN's Bob Harig explained on Monday that the Tour is now strongly encouraging players and caddies to receive vaccine shots but is not requiring vaccinations to participate in tournaments.

"The Tour said while it will not mandate vaccination, it will require those who do not get the shots to still be tested each week for COVID-19, within 72 hours of arrival on site and at their own expense," Harig wrote. "Those who fail a COVID-19 test will be required to withdraw and be subject to contact tracing and quarantine procedures."

The Tour also included fact-checking information about the safety of available vaccines in a memo obtained by ESPN. 

"I've had 60-plus tests, all negative," a veteran player who wished to remain anonymous told ESPN about potentially getting vaccinated. "My caddie and I have been through every airport, public transportation, you name it, without getting COVID. But the Tour is going to make it a pain for us if we don't take it. They are not forcing you, but it will be a pain if you don't.''

Players and caddies will be considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and also after the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the AstraZeneca shot. The Tour intends to stop on-site testing at the end of June and will permit fully vaccinated personnel to "gather in small groups without face coverings" without facing any restrictions or punishments.