Zach Johnson tests positive for COVID, out of Open Championship

Zach Johnson Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Johnson out of Open Championship due to testing positive for COVID-19

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/12/21

2015 Open Championship winner Zach Johnson won't compete at this year's edition of the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19.

As Bob Harig of ESPN noted, the two-time major championship winner tested positive following the conclusion of the John Deere Classic on Sunday, before he was set to board a charter flight that included players, caddies and managers heading to the Open.

Johnson addressed the news via Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/Qk9Osk3MbY
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) July 12, 2021

According to Harig, the United Kingdom's strict guidelines could've required players exposed to Johnson on the flight to isolate and miss the tournament. England's Sam Horsfield is replacing Johnson in the tournament field.

As of Monday morning, a total of 16 players had either opted out of the Open because of the health and safety protocols or been withdrawn. Per ESPN, Bubba Watson pulled out of the tournament Sunday after he was deemed a high-risk close contact despite the fact that he's vaccinated against COVID-19.

For those wondering, the UK and US Covid-19 guidelines are quite different. Getting on the charter or a commercial flight was not an option available to me after my recent exposure. I don’t make the rules but do have to follow them.
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) July 11, 2021