Brooks Koepka to withdraw from Travelers after caddie tests positive for COVID-19

Brooks Koepka is withdrawing from this week's Travelers Championship after his caddie, Ricky Elliott, tested positive for the coronavirus, the golfer told Golfweek's Eamon Lynch.

Elliott previously tested negative for the virus on Monday but received his positive diagnosis after a test Wednesday morning at TPC River Highlands.

“I’m going to pull out to protect everybody else. I think it’s the right thing to do,” Koepka said, per Golfweek. “I don’t want to risk anyone’s life if they have respiratory issues or underlying conditions. The only way this Tour can continue is if guys to do this sort of thing and be proactive about it.”

Koepka's announcement comes after Graeme McDowell also withdrew from the match because his caddie, Ken Comboy, tested positive for the virus. Koepka and Elliott were re-tested after playing a practice round with McDowell on Tuesday. 

Koepka is the third PGA Tour player to withdraw from the Travelers Championship. Cameron Champ also withdrew on Tuesday after testing positive. 

The Travelers Championship is set to get underway on Thursday, June 25 and run until June 28. Rory McIlroy currently has the best odds of winning at 12-1, according to CBS Sports.