Objectives There is no published data on the incidence or risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission when playing golf, a sport played outdoors where social distancing is possible. The purpose of this prospective study was to report incidence and transmission regarding SARS-CoV-2, of professional golfers competing on the PGA European Tour across 23 events in 11 countries. Methods Daily symptom and temperature checks and weekly reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) screening were performed to determine potential carriage of SARS-CoV-2. Onset and type of symptomology were analysed. Gene expression and cycle thresholds (Cts) were reviewed for all positive cases. Repeat PCR testing was performed on all positive players. RT-PCR analysis included human housekeeping genes and various RNA genes specific for SARS-CoV-2. Results During the study period, there were 2900 RT-PCR tests performed on 195 professional golfers competing on the European Tour. Four players tested positive on-site during the study period (0.14% of tests; positive results were declared with Ct <40). Two positive tests were returned as part of routine protocols, while two reported a history of close contact with an individual who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were isolated and target tested. All were asymptomatic at time of testing, with three developing symptoms subsequently. None required hospital admission. There was no transmission from player to player. Conclusion Golf is an outdoor sport where social distancing is possible, meaning risks can be low if guidance is followed by participants. Risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can be mitigated by highly accurate RT-PCR testing of participants and by setting up a safe bubble that includes testing players and support staff, as well as all persons coming into contact with them during the course of the tournament, for example, drivers and hotel staff. This report can also provide reassurance for participants and policy makers regarding community golf, which can be encouraged for the health benefits it provides, in a relatively low-risk environment, with minimal risk of transmission by observing sensible viral hygiene protocols. Data are available on reasonable request.

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评估国际职业高尔夫中 SARS-CoV-2 传播的风险

目标 没有关于打高尔夫球时 SARS-CoV-2 传播的发生率或风险的公开数据，打高尔夫球是一项在户外进行的运动，可以保持社交距离。这项前瞻性研究的目的是报告职业高尔夫球手在 11 个国家的 23 个赛事中参加 PGA 欧洲巡回赛的 SARS-CoV-2 的发病率和传播情况。方法进行每日症状和温度检查以及每周逆转录酶 PCR (RT-PCR) 筛查，以确定 SARS-CoV-2 的潜在携带者。分析了症状的发作和类型。审查了所有阳性病例的基因表达和周期阈值 (Cts)。对所有阳性球员进行重复 PCR 测试。RT-PCR 分析包括人类管家基因和对 SARS-CoV-2 特异的各种 RNA 基因。结果在研究期间，对参加欧巡赛的 195 名职业高尔夫球手进行了 2900 次 RT-PCR 测试。在研究期间，四名球员在现场测试呈阳性（0.14% 的测试；阳性结果被宣布为 Ct <40）。作为常规方案的一部分，返回了两项阳性检测结果，而两项报告与一名 SARS-CoV-2 检测呈阳性并被隔离并进行目标检测的人有密切接触史。所有人在测试时都没有症状，随后出现了三种症状。没有人需要住院。没有从玩家到玩家的传输。结论 高尔夫是一项可以保持社交距离的户外运动，这意味着如果参与者遵循指导，风险可能很低。SARS-CoV-2 的传播风险可以通过对参与者进行高度准确的 RT-PCR 测试并通过建立一个包括测试玩家和支持人员以及在测试过程中与他们接触的所有人员的安全气泡来降低。例如，比赛的司机和酒店工作人员。该报告还可以为参与者和政策制定者提供有关社区高尔夫的保证，在相对低风险的环境中，通过遵守合理的病毒卫生规程，传播风险最小，可以鼓励社区高尔夫提供的健康益处。可根据合理要求提供数据。该报告还可以为参与者和政策制定者提供有关社区高尔夫的保证，在相对低风险的环境中，通过遵守合理的病毒卫生规程，传播风险最小，可以鼓励社区高尔夫提供的健康益处。可根据合理要求提供数据。该报告还可以为参与者和政策制定者提供有关社区高尔夫的保证，在相对低风险的环境中，通过遵守合理的病毒卫生规程，传播风险最小，可以鼓励社区高尔夫提供的健康益处。可根据合理要求提供数据。