Is Zach Johnson’s Team USA Affected With Corona Virus in the Middle of the Ryder Cup?

The hype is at its peak with the Ryder Cup getting into its second day. As we already know, Team Europe is leading the match-up currently 6.5-1.5. Fans wonder as to what could be the reason behind the Americans’ lackluster show at the Marco Simone Golf Club on Friday.

Reports are doing the rounds that the team is plagued by some health issues. Speculations are rife. Has the deadly Coronavirus returned? Zach Johnson has also provided some alarming updates. Let’s find out more. 

Zach Johnson’s Ryder Cup team faces major health troubles

In 2021, Team US defeated Team Europe with a score of 19-9 at Whistling Straits. The kind of intensity they displayed last time around is missing at Marco Simone. 

In the post-round interview on Friday, US captain Zach Johnson hinted at some illnesses plaguing the team. He didn’t explain what exactly were the issues with the players. But in the wake of his presser, fans started speculating if it was the deadly virus at the center of it all.

“…the bottom line is there’s been some unforeseen things that we’ve had to navigate around, which is really unfortunate, in the sense of health. It’s not an excuse, because we have depth, but I’ll just say, I’m grateful we have a team doctor,” Johnson said.

He further continued, “We have got some congestion and some just signs of things that are unfortunate. It’s one of those where sometimes the energy is probably a little low, but the ability and desire to go out and play is still there. That’s what we are weighing. Every one of them still wants to play every match, which is encouraging.”. In 2021, a special envelope rule was put in place to maintain COVID-19 protocols.

The envelope rule to safeguard players from deadly COVID-19

First, the envelope rule came into action in the 1979 Ryder Cup. It mainly is applied during singles, when all 24 golfers have to participate and there’s no way one can be replaced. An envelope will contain the name of the golfer who will withdraw if another golfer from the opposing team is not playing due to health-related problems.

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In 2021, the envelope rule was also introduced due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The envelope needed to be used only if a player from one side tested positive and could not participate in the game. But this envelope won’t have a role if one player from each side withdraws due to sickness.  

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