LAST UPDATE | 25 Jul 2021
WORLD NUMBER ONE Jon Rahm withdrew from the Olympics on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time in two months, the Spanish Olympic Committee confirmed.
Rahm, who stormed to victory at the US Open in June, returned a positive sample after undergoing mandatory testing following his recent participation in the British Open.
It was the latest twist to what has been a tumultuous season for the 26-year-old Spaniard.
In June, he was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament while defending a six-shot lead heading into the final round after returning a positive test.
Rahm later revealed he had been vaccinated shortly before contracting the disease.
He then bounced back from that setback to clinch a stunning victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines a fortnight later, taking the championship with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.
The news follows hours after it was confirmed Bryson DeChambeau had tested positive for the virus.
DeChambeau tested positive for Covid prior to departure for Tokyo, and he will be replaced in Team USA by Patrick Reed.
“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” said DeChambeau. “Representing my country means the world to me and it is was a tremendous honor to make this team. I wish Team USA the best of luck next week in Tokyo. I will now focus on getting healthy, and I look forward to returning to competition once I am cleared to do so.”
Reed, who represented the USA at the Rio games, will now join a star-studded American line-up long with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele. The USA women’s team, meanwhile, consists of Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda.
“I wish Bryson nothing but the best, and I know how disappointed he is to not be able to compete, and I will do my best to play my best and represent our country”, said Reed.
The men’s golf competition in Tokyo begins on Wednesday night from 11.30pm Irish time. Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy will represent Ireland against Reed et al, with Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow wearing green in the women’s event.
Updated at 08.44 with details of Rahm’s positive case
Additional reporting by © – AFP, 2021
