Golfers to face strict protocols at the British Open

The professional golfers are not happy with management’s decision to apply strict protocols at next month’s British Open.

According to a "Player Information Update" the Open Championship at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, England, will operate under "strict government oversight."

Let's take a look at the protocols:

→ Players will not be allowed to share accommodations.

→ They will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing even if they have been vaccinated.

→ They also will not be allowed to visit restaurants and pubs.

 → Players may also be eliminated from the tournament if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

An unidentified golfer recently told Golf Week that he thought about not participating in the British Open due to these strict protocols.

"I'm going to go because it's the British Open. But I certainly thought about not going," he said. "I just can't believe with the numerous examples of successfully run, safely held tournaments and majors here that they can't figure out a better situation."

These rules were not defined by the R&A but rather the U.K. government, which just stretched its mask mandate until July 19th.

While players and their team members are subject to strict protocols, the tournament is permitted to allow 32,000 fans per day, which is the highest number of spectators allowed at any golf event since the start of the pandemic.

The 149th Open is scheduled to be played at Royal St George’s, starting from July 15th.