Organisers are confident players affected by food poisoning will be fit enough to take their place in Saturday’s start to the 48th edition of the Walker Cup.
The USGA and R&A had taken all precautions with regards to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic but organisers hadn’t counted on food poisoning.
The biennial team event featuring the best amateurs from Great Britain and Ireland tackling the best of the Americans officially gets underway on Saturday on the ultra-exclusive Seminole course at Jupiter in Florida.
A number of players have experienced gastric-related symptoms in recent days, with the USGA and R&A releasing a statement confirming an “ongoing medical issue” just over 24 hours before the event is due to begin.
The statement said: “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.
“All players from both teams have tested negative in their daily screenings and COVID-19 has been ruled out as the cause. The players have adhered to the strict health and safety guidelines established as a code of conduct for the match.
“The health and safety of the players and all involved in the match is our utmost priority and we are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, there is no expectation of a disruption to the timing of the matches of the biennial competition. We will provide additional updates if necessary.”
Irishman John Murphy, a former winner of the St Andrews Links Trophy, revealed during a Wednesday press conference he’d felt “unwell” earlier in the week.
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