Bryson DeChambeau won't take part in Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19
Team USA just lost a key member of its Olympic golf team just days before Round 1. Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, and will not take part in the Tokyo Olympics due to the positive test.
DeChambeau tested positive for the virus during the final phase of testing, according to USA Golf. As a result, DeChambeau did not travel with the team to Japan.
USA Golf announces Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for COVID-19 and is replaced at the Olympics by Patrick Reed. pic.twitter.com/QSmfYzlnmR
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) July 25, 2021
“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” DeChambeau said in a statement, via the PGA Tour. “Representing my country means the world to me and it 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.”
DeChambeau — who is known for his powerful drives — is the sixth best golfer in the world, via the Official World Golf Rankings. He was expected to join Collin Morikawa (No. 3), Justin Thomas (No. 4) and Xander Schauffele (No. 5) on Team USA.
Dustin Johnson (No. 2) opted out of the event in March.
Patrick Reed will replace DeChambeau on Team USA.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” Reed said, via the Tour. “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.”
Jon Rahm, the top-ranked golfer in the world, was set to represent Spain in the Olympics. He tested positive for a second time in just two months on Sunday, however, and also had to withdraw.
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