Miami (AFP)

A change in policy on the North American golf circuit (PGA) towards players positive for the new coronavirus but showing no symptoms allowed American Cameron Champ to be entered in the Rocket Mortgage Classic which began Thursday in Detroit.

The change in protocol began Wednesday evening and concerns players who have tested positive but who have no symptoms of the coronavirus having forced the end of the season for three months before the resumption of tests in June.

Since the resumption of the circuit, any player or caddy tested positive had to respect a period of isolation of ten days, in accordance with the directives of the Centers for Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC).

The PGA has decided to modify its health rules, in agreement with the CDC, so that players and caddies who test positive without showing symptoms of COVID-19 can return to competition if they have two negative tests at least 24 hours interval.

Cameron Champ tested positive on June 23 which forced him not to participate in the Travelers Championship last week, but the 80th world then registered three negative tests within 72 hours of the first positive test.

Like all players, Champ will still have to undergo a negative test upon his arrival on the course before his game on Thursday in the 1st round.

"I am extremely grateful for the tireless efforts and discussions between the circuit, my team and all the experts who have been consulted in order to achieve this best possible result," said the 25-year-old golfer.

© 2020 AFP