Scottie Scheffler withdraws from U.S. Open after testing positive for coronavirus

Horsfield and Scheffler were the first two golfers to test positive for the coronavirus in more than six weeks.

Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the U.S. Open on Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19, the USGA announced.

Joining him on the sidelines is Scheffler who also tested positive, but both have reported that they are asymptomatic.

"It goes without saying that I am hugely disappointed to not have the opportunity to play in my 4th U.S. Open but clearly the safety of the tournament and other players is paramount", Horsfield said.

A recent stretch of golf has been his finest, however, as the University of Florida product won a pair of events on the European Tour - the Hero Open and the Celtic Classic - in the month of August.

"We are sorry to lose a member of the USGA family in this year's US Open field", said John Bodenhammer, the USGA's senior managing director for championships.

South African Branden Grace will take his place in the field for the tournament that starts on Thursday at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York.

"Dustin made it known throughout the season that the FedExCup was a priority and his performances in the FedExCup Play-offs were nothing short of spectacular with two wins and a playoff runner-up at the BMW Championship", said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement.

Scottie Scheffler will not compete at the U.S. Open this week after testing positive for COVID-19.

Grace was tied for the lead in the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay when he sent his tee shot out-of-bounds and onto the railroad tracks right of the 16th fairway and tied for fourth.