Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

Pete Cowen, one of the world’s leading golf coaches, believes he has contacted coronavirus.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Englishman Cowen says he has not been tested for the disease but that medics have advised him he “ticks every box on the corona sheet”.

The 69-year-old from Sheffield has told all of the players that he works with – including reigning US Open champion Gary Woodland, world No.3 Brooks Koepka and European major champs Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson – to follow health and government guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The very best par-3s in Ireland

• WATCH – DJ launches outrages ‘lefty’ drive

“I’m feeling horrendous and wouldn’t wish this on anyone, no matter how young and fit they may be,” said Cowen, who was at THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass just over a week ago.

“After a few days of self-isolation, we decided to ring the ambulance and the medics said I ticked every box on the corona sheet. They were fantastic, but said they were not allowed to test me unless I was admitted to hospital and then the staff there decided to keep you in.

WATCH – 14 CLUB CHALLENGE… AMATEUR EDITION!

“I don’t want to alarm anyone, and I might just have been particularly vulnerable to it. But I’m not sure how anyone with an underlying illness could cope with this.”

• CONFIRMED! New date for year’s first major!

• 5 simple ways to stay safe on the course

• The very best of golf on Netflix

Woodland, who won the US Open at Pebble Beach last year, subsequently told Golfweek that he has spoken with Cowen in recent days but that he, his wife and their three children are feeling well and have no symptoms.

Last week, South African golfer Victor Lange, who plays on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, became the first known tour pro to test positive for the virus.

• Are you concerned that you may have coronavirus? Follow the NHS guidelines here.


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship