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South African golfer Branden Grace withdrew from the Barracuda Championship prior to the third round after testing positive for COVID-19, the PGA Tour announced.

Grace, who became the eighth player on tour to test positive for COVID-19, issued a statement confirming the news adding that we will self-isolate for the next 10 days in line with CDC guidelines and Tour health and safety protocols.

“I felt great all week. Last night, I was tired and thought it had to do with the altitude. This morning, I notified the PGA Tour about my symptoms before going to the golf course,” Grace said.

Though Grace described his decision as a “difficult” one given that he was tied for second place after two rounds at the Championship, he said it was a “correct” one for his fellow competitors and volunteers.

“I wanted to get tested out of respect for my peers and everyone involved with the tournament. While it is unfortunate given my position on the leaderboard, the most important thing is our health.”

As a result of his withdrawal, Grace forfeited a chance to share in the $3.5 million prize kitty on offer at the Barracuda Championship where the winner bags $630,000 while the runner-up takes home $381,500.

The withdrawal also means that he has been eliminated from the upcoming PGA Championship, the calendar’s first major. The South African has finished twice in the top four in the last four tournaments.

Grace urged everyone to stay safe and expressed optimism that he will soon return to the golf course.

The PGA Tour added that Grace’s caddie had tested negative for COVID-19, but will quarantine for 14 days.

“After conducting necessary contact tracing, the TOUR’s medical advisors are not recommending any additional testing at this time.”