Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is forced to WITHDRAW from the Rocket Mortgage Classic before his second round after testing positive for Covid
- Matsuyama carded an opening 70 at Detroit Golf Club on Thursday
- Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler were allowed to continue playing in the event
- Jon Rahm had to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament after a positive test
Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama has withdrawn from the Rocket Mortgage Classic before starting his second round after testing positive for Covid-19.
Matsuyama, who had carded an opening 70 at Detroit Golf Club on Thursday, said: ‘It’s disappointing to receive this news and have to withdraw from the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
‘I will take all the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of all others.
Hideki Matsuyama has withdrawn from Rocket Mortgage Classic after positive Covid test
‘I appreciate and thank everyone for their concern in advance. I look forward to a full recovery and returning to competition as soon as possible.’
US PGA champion Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, who played with Matsuyama on Thursday, were allowed to continue playing in the event.
The PGA Tour said Matsuyama will have its ‘full support throughout his self-isolation under CDC guidelines’.
Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler played with Matsuyama in the first round on Thursday
Spain’s Jon Rahm had to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament in June after testing positive for Covid-19, the world number one being given the news on the 18th green after opening up a six-shot lead after 54 holes.
Fifteen days later, Rahm won his first major title in the US Open at Torrey Pines.