Golf instructor Pete Cowen is on the road to recovery after battling the coronavirus, according to the manager of his golf academy, who spoke with Golfweek on Wednesday.
The 69-year-old Cowen — who has worked with a bevy of professional golfers, including Brooks Koepka, Gary Woodland, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell — announced two weeks ago that he thought he was battling the virus.
But a message on the Pete Cowen Golf Academy social media accounts on Tuesday indicated that the famed teacher was vastly improved, and academy manager Nick Huby confirmed with Golfweek that Cowen is feeling well and will be back to coaching as soon as he gets full clearance.
“Pete is a trooper, a total warrior,” Huby told Golfweek on Wednesday. “I defy anybody to be more fit than Pete. As soon as he’s physically able, he’ll be back.”
Huby, who heads Cowen’s facility in Rotherham, England, said he’s been impressed by the outpouring of support for his longtime friend and boss.
“People are relieved. People are happy. It’s quite touching to see,” Huby said. “I’ve known Pete all my life and worked with him for 20 years. Sometimes I forget the guy’s so famous. But it’s been truly touching to see how many people were concerned.”
Cowen told The Daily Telegraph back in March that the virus had sapped him of much of his strength.
“You really don’t want this,” Cowen said. “I’m feeling horrendous and wouldn’t wish this on anyone; no matter how young and fit they may be.
” … it felt like my whole body was shutting down and I said to my wife I think I’ve only got 10 percent body strength left to fight this.”
The note on social media went on to say:
“I’m delighted to announce that Pete is most definitely recovering and improving day by day slowly building his strength back up.
I am confident Pete will be able to get right back to the business of improving people’s golf very soon.
Peter and his family would like to thank everyone for all the kind, supportive messages and well wishes they have received.”
Among those worried about Cowen’s well-being was Woodland, who said the following to Golfweek via text:
“My thoughts and prayers are with him and everyone during this time. My family and I are at home feeling great trying to entertain three kids under 3. We are healthy and have no symptoms.”
According to an earlier article in Golfweek, Cowen coached Lee Westwood to World No. 1 in October 2010, ending the 281-week reign of Tiger Woods, and rebuilt Henrik Stenson’s swing, which led to victory at the 2016 British Open. Cowen attended the Honda Classic last month, where rookie sensation Viktor Hovland asked for help on his short game, as well as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he spent time with Koepka, and the Players Championship in March, where he worked with Woodland before the event was canceled.