U.S. Walker Cup player Tyler Strafaci a late scratch due to illness, taken to hospital via ambulance

JUNO BEACH, Fla. — U.S. Walker Cup player Tyler Strafaci was taken to a local hospital just prior to his scheduled 3:03 p.m. tee time on Saturday. The U.S. Amateur champion and 2021 Masters participant was taken for precautionary reasons, per a USGA spokesperson.

“Tyler Strafaci did leave the grounds of Seminole Golf Club and is receiving fluids at a local hospital,” the USGA said in a statement. “There is no additional information available at this time.”

Although it’s not confirmed what sent Strafaci to the hospital, both teams have been plagued by a stomach bug in the run up to the 48th Walker Cup.

The USGA and R&A released a statement earlier this week, saying: “Over the past 24 hours, a number of players from both the GB&I and USA Teams have been treated for gastrointestinal issues and are currently under observation by medical professionals at the teams’ hotel.”

Strafaci sat out the morning session at Seminole but was slated in the lineup for a singles match versus GB&I’s Ben Jones for the afternoon. He was replaced by William Mouw.

This is the 2020 U.S. Amateur champion’s first Walker Cup.

UPDATE: 7:23 p.m. ET

Tyler Strafaci has returned from the hospital and was spotted on site at Seminole supporting his teammates during the afternoon matches.

“We’re like a family,” Strafaci told Golf Channel. “I wanted to come out and just support everyone here because I know they’d do the same thing for me.”

Strafaci said he received three IVs at the hospital and is planning on being ready to compete tomorrow.