JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Ahead of this week’s Walker Cup, a handful of players from both the United States and Great Britain & Ireland teams have mentioned coming down with stomach bugs while in South Florida. The issue, however, is becoming a bigger concern as the 48th edition of the biennial event is set to be held Saturday and Sunday at Seminole Golf Club.
According to a USGA source, as many as 13 of the 20 players from the two teams have been or are being treated by medical personnel.
In a joint statement from the USGA and R&A on Friday, officials noted that all players have been tested for COVID-19 and that has been “ruled out as the cause.”
“Over the past 24 hours, a number of players from both the GB&I and USA teams have been treated for gastrointestinal issues and are currently under observation by medical professionals at the teams’ hotel.”
No names of players were released, although earlier in the week GB&I’s John Murphy noted that he and teammate Angus Flanagan were not feeling well. Likewise, Golf Channel reported that Americans Austin Eckroat and Davis Thompson both missed Wednesday’s practice rounds.
The origin of the illness is unknown, according to a USGA spokesperson.
“The health and safety of the players and all involved in the match is our utmost priority and we are closely monitoring the situation,” according to the statement. “At this time, there is no expectation of a disruption to the timing of the matches or the overall schedule of the biennial competition.”
Saturday’s play consists of four foursomes matches in the morning and eight singles matches in the afternoon. Sunday also starts with four morning foursome matches and then 10 singles games in the afternoon to decide the cup.
Healthy players from the U.S. team were out practicing at Seminole on Friday morning. The opening flag-raising ceremony set for Friday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. is also currently still on schedule.