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WHOOP strap key in detecting Nick Watney's positive test

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The WHOOP strap has become a fixture on the PGA Tour, with players using it to collect physiological data to help them analyzes strain, recovery and sleep on an athlete’s body. Nick Watney’s strap might also have played a key role in detecting the Tour’s first positive COVID-19 test.

Watney became the first player to test positive for coronavirus on Friday at the RBC Heritage. According to a Tour press release Watney “felt symptoms consistent with the illness” early Friday but the circuit didn’t specify what symptoms.

“Nick said the thing that got him yesterday morning was he wears a WHOOP strap,” said Rory McIlroy, who traded text messages with Watney after he withdrew.