Two of the country’s top professional golfers, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the United States.
The sisters have withdrawn from an LPGA tournament, that was scheduled to start next week and are now self-isolating, Ariya wrote on her Facebook page early on Saturday.
“Although we have been very cautious, unfortunately, both Mo and I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Ariya wrote. “We are now self-isolating and working on contact tracing all those we have been in contact with.”
“We both have mild symptoms but we are very disappointed to have to withdraw from the Pelican Women’s Championship,” she said, referring to the event scheduled to begin on Thursday in Belleair, Florida.
“We will be isolated at home until it is safe to resume our schedule. We wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to when we can return to playing on Tour.”
Moriya wrote on Facebook that she was experiencing “mild symptoms” after being tested earlier as part of the LPGA’s pre-tournament COVID-19 protocol.
“The symptoms are better now. The fever has gone down. Still coughing and breathing is a little difficult. I can’t smell and taste. Thank you to everyone for your concern,” she said.
Ariya said she felt better and had no fever but had not recovered her sense of taste and smell. “I still have difficulty breathing and it’s easy to get tired.”
Ariya and Moriya last competed at the LPGA Drive On Championship in Greensboro, Georgia from 22nd – 25th October and then took a brief break, travelling to visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona. They have a home in Orlando, Florida that serves as their base during the US golf season.
Ariya, a former World No.1, is currently ranked 20th and Moriya is ranked 47th.
