Nick Watney has become the first PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19.

The PGA Tour confirmed that on Friday, prior to arriving at the tournament, Watney experienced symptoms consistent with the illness. He consulted a doctor, was given a test and it came back positive. He subsequently withdrew from the tournament and will enter self-isolation for a minimum of 10 days.

"For the health and well-being of all associated with the tournament and those within the community, the TOUR has begun implementing its response plan in consultation with medical experts including working with those who may have had close contact with Nick," the PGA Tour said in a press release.

Watney played last week at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, missing the cut . He travelled to the RBC Heritage privately and was not on the tour’s charter flight.

On Monday, Watney was among the 369 players, caddies and officials who were tested prior to this week’s tournament at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and there were zero positive results.

The 39-year-old from Sacramento, Calif., shot 74 in the first round this week playing alongside Luke List and Vaughn Taylor. Both List and Taylor were on the course Friday and informed of Watney’s condition during the round.

"I got the news at the turn," Taylor said. "So I was a little shocked, to be honest. Heart started racing, got a little nervous. Just hope Nick's doing well and we get through this.''

"It was hard to concentrate out there for me," said List, "just thinking about different stuff, and I wasn't playing my best anyway."

Both Taylor and List, as well as their caddies, were sent for tests immediately after their rounds

For many players, the news was not that surprising.

"I think the consensus was someone is going to get it at some point," stated Rory McIlroy. "and Nick's the one that's got it, and he's self-isolating and doing what he has to do."

McIlroy, the world’s top-ranked player, said Watney texted him to give him the news because the two had a conversation on the putting green prior to their rounds.

"Yeah, but we were at a distance," added McIlroy. "He was just saying, look, I hope I didn't get too close to you."

Brooks Koepka, who revealed that Watney was close to him in the parking lot on Friday morning, said the consequences of the virus spreading to other players and caddies could be dire.

"It's unfortunate Nick got it, but at the same time, hopefully, it stays with just him and doesn't spread," said Koepka, "because I think we'll have a big issue on our hands if it keeps going as the weeks continue."

The positive test could also serve as a reminder to everyone on the PGA Tour that there is always a risk.

"Makes things a little more real," said Canadian Corey Conners. "Guys are going to use more caution. Now some guys might see it can happen to anyone. A little more caution going forward."

The RBC Heritage will continue on Saturday and, at this point, there is no planned stoppage to the tour in the coming weeks.