Former Baylor School and University of Georgia golfer Harris English has withdrawn from this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit after testing positive for the coronavirus in the tournament's pre-screening process.
English is the fifth player to test positive since the PGA Tour returned June 11 after a three-month shutdown during the pandemic.
"While it's disappointing to receive this news, as I feel healthy, I'm pleased that the new safety protocols we have in place worked this week," English said in a released statement. "I fully supported the Tour's new rule of not allowing anyone on the tournament grounds until testing negative, as protecting others in the field and everyone affiliated with the tournament and the community should be the No. 1 priority as a result of a positive test. I appreciate the Tour's support, and I look forward to competing again after I'm fully recovered."
The 30-year-old English, who grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, and attended Baylor as a boarding student, joins Nick Watney, Cameron Champ, Denny McCarthy and Dylan Frittelli as golfers who have tested positive for the virus. Watney played the opening round of the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with another former Baylor standout, Luke List, before withdrawing before Friday's round.
English, who did not play last week at the Travelers Championship, is having a stellar season, ranking 27th in the FedEx Cup standings with five top-10 finishes and three top-five finishes. He has earned $1,772,311 this season and his career earnings are $14,386,104, according to his profile page at PGATour.com.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524. Follow him on Twitter @DavidSPaschall.