Two-time major winner John Daly announced his withdrawal from this week’s PGA Championship due to concerns over his health amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Not even the lure of the year’s first major championship, to be played at San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park without spectators starting on Thursday, was enough to convince Daly to return to action.
He joins a number of high-profile golfers – including world No 1 Lee Westwood and 2018 Open champion Francesco Molinari – in deciding to not to play.
Daly took to social media to explain his reasons, which included a fear of contracting the virus as a high-risk diabetic.
“People keep asking why I (withdrew) from PGA???” Daly said on Twitter. “California now #1 in cases/deaths, I had knee surgery, Im a diabetic & I dont feel comfortable flying.
“Being too close proximity to even small crowds & risk exposure with my health not worth it!“
People keep asking why I WD from PGA??? California now #1 in cases/deaths, I had knee surgery, I’m a diabetic & I don’t feel comfortable flying. Being too close proximity to even small crowds & risk exposure with my health not worth it! God Bess & y’all be safe!
— John Daly (@PGA_JohnDaly) August 3, 2020
– TEAMtalk media