Catlin removed from English Championship for breaching coronavirus protocol

London, Aug 5: American John Catlin has been withdrawn from the European Tour's English Championship for a breach of coronavirus protocol.

Catlin was due to be in the field for the tournament at Hanbury Manor, but will not tee off on Thursday after leaving the bubble to visit a restaurant along with his caddie Nathan Mulrooney.

South African Wilco Nienaber will replace Catlin, who accepted his punishment for eating out on Tuesday evening.

Catlin said: "I apologise to my fellow players and everyone involved with the tournament this week for this error of judgement.

"I understand the European Tour's decision and accept the sanction."

Catlin's best performance on the European Tour came when he was tied for eighth at the Austrian Open last month.