Slumbers: Players who break COVID-19 protocols risk being disqualified

The R&A sent protocols to the players that require them to stay in small bubbles and not visit other players staying in a separate house.

“This would be seen as a breach of the COVID-19 protocols and could lead to withdrawal from the championship,” the R&A wrote in a memo to players.

Does any violation lead to disqualification? R&A chief Martin Slumbers didn't answer that immediately when asked Wednesday during his annual press conference.

“We’ve made it very clear it is to protect them and their fellow competitors,” Slumbers said. “It's to give them, all the players, the very best chance of all of them being here on Sunday afternoon and able to play. We have the background of the UK law to deal with, so it’s not us creating the rules, it’s the UK law, and I expect the players to react and deal with that in a professional, responsible way.”

So would a player be disqualified if he breaches the protocols?

“I think he would be at risk of being disqualified, yes,” Slumbers said.

Eventually, he said “at risk” meant it would be decided by Slumbers and the chair of the championship committee.