NEW YORK - Branden Grace and Rory Sabbatini have replaced Scottie Scheffler and Sam Horsfield in the field for this week’s US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club after latter duo tested positive for Covid-19.
The 24-year-old Horsfield had returned a negative test last Thursday, but tested positive after arriving in New York, forcing him out of the second major of the year which will take place from September 17-20.
"It goes without saying that I am hugely disappointed to not have the opportunity to play in my fourth U.S. Open but clearly the safety of the tournament and other players is paramount," Horsfield, who competed in the 2015, 2016 and 2019 editions, wrote on Twitter.
Horsfield won the Hero Open and Celtic Classic, two of the six tournaments on the European Tour's UK Swing, to rise to No. 81 in the world and qualify for the U.S. Open.
"Sam had an excellent year... We are disappointed to lose a player of his calibre from the U.S. Open field," said USGA senior managing director John Bodenhamer.
Horsfield, the second golfer to test positive ahead of the US Open after PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Sheffler, will be replaced in the field by South African-born Slovakian Sabbatini.
Grace has already replaced Sheffler on Monday.
Reuters