BURLINGTON, Kentucky – August 13, 2021:
On Thursday night, August 12, Disc Golf Pro Tour staff was notified that a player in the Idlewild Open field-tested positive for COVID-19. The competitor also participated in the Ledgestone Insurance Open. Per the PDGA Elite Series COVID-19 policy, which Disc Golf Pro Tour follows, contact tracing has been implemented and testing has begun for all players who have come into direct contact (6 feet or closer for 15 minutes or more) with the competitor who tested positive. All players who are known to have been in direct contact have been contacted. The players who came in direct contact with the infected player will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test in order to compete this weekend. We are working with those players who have not yet been able to test in order to provide appropriate rapid-testing options for tomorrow morning in an attempt to allow them to play if they produce a negative test result.
Due to the late notice of this test, and in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, the Disc Golf Pro Tour will be implementing phase 2 masking policies for competitors, spectators, staff, and media, which require that masks are worn when not able to properly social distance. Additionally, anyone within fifty feet of the teeing area will be required to wear a face mask. Lastly, the DGPT has decided to restrict all autographs and photos with players.
“No one wants to see us going backward on this policy, but the fact is that the Delta Variant is causing a spike in COVID-19 cases around the country. The players, staff, and media on the Disc Golf Pro Tour are not immune,” said Jeff Spring, Disc Golf Pro Tour CEO & Director. “We will implement masking policies for tomorrow’s round in order to ensure all competitors are comfortable competing. There are many tight teeing areas and spots where people are forced to group up in Idlewild’s woods. We are mandating that players must be masked in those situations. We will reassess as we gain more information throughout the day tomorrow and will provide an update before Round 2 with any alterations.”
The Disc Golf Pro Tour is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all players on the Tour. Reverting to Phase 2 masking policies for players, spectators, staff, and media while the situation is further assessed and understood is the best option in light of the recent positive test.
