Webb Simpson withdraws from Travelers Championship

Webb Simpson has withdrawn from the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands this week after a family member tested positive for the coronavirus.

After winning his seventh PGA Tour title at the RBC Heritage last week, Simpson was looking to continue his fine form but has decided to withdraw, even though his test results came back negative.

"In the last 24 hours, I have had a family member test positive for COVID-19," Simpson said in a statement. "While my tests this week were negative, I feel like it is my responsibility to take care of my family and protect my peers in the field by withdrawing from the Travelers Championship. I am going to return home to Charlotte and quarantine under CDC guidelines, and I look forward to returning to competition after that time period."

Simpson has featured in both events since the PGA Tour returned after its three-month absence and he missed the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge before topping the low-scoring field and beating Abraham Ancer by a shot at the RBC Heritage last week.

The World No.5 becomes the fifth player to withdraw from the Travelers Championship in a matter of days.

Cameron Champ tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday and said: “I feel great physically and I was obviously surprised and disappointed to learn of the test result. It’s important now to take the necessary steps and measures to protect others, including my loved ones.”

Following Champ in withdrawing was Graeme McDowell, after his caddie Ken Comboy tested positive and although McDowell was yet to show any symptoms, he felt he it was crucial he kept himself away from other players, having spent so much time with his caddie.

News broke yesterday that Brooks Koepka had also withdrawn, again due to his caddie, Ricky Elliott, testing positive for COVID-19. Brooks' brother Chase, who qualified for the event on Monday, also withdrew because he was in close proximity to someone who tested positive.

NEXT PAGE: Brooks Koepka WITHDRAWS from Travelers after caddie's positive COVID-19 test