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Jon Rahm & Bryson DeChambeau No Longer Competing in Olympics After Positive Covid Tests

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Withdraw from Olympics

Well, it looks like Jon Rahm will have to sit out another event due to a positive Covid test. Both he and Bryson DeChambeau were forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for the virus just before they were due to head to Japan for the games.
 
While Team USA has tapped Patrick Reed to compete in place of DeChambeau, Ari Arnaus will now be the only competitor for Team Spain as they opted not to replace Rahm. Both the International Golf Federation and the Spanish Olympic Committee made their announcements this weekend.
 

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“Deeply Disappointed”

 
“I would have loved to have been the first Spanish Olympic gold medalist in golf,” Rahm explained on social media, “but unfortunately destiny had other plans. This is a great reminder for all of us that we’re still in a pandemic, things are not over, and we still need to fight together to get through this the best we can.”
 
The Olympic games began last Friday and the golf event will kick off this Thursday. News that two of the world’s top players will not be participating was a disappointment for the golfers and fans alike.
 
Bryson addressed his exit in an issued statement. “I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” he said. “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.”
 
Bryson was placed on Team USA after Dustin Johnson opted out of the games. Now Colin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Thomas will join Patrick Reed in competing for the gold.
 
There is still testing that Reed will need to complete before he makes the trip to Tokyo. This will be the golfer’s second time competing in the games after making his debut in Brazil back in 2016 where he finished tied for 11th place.
 

Cantlay and Koepka Decline Their Invites

 
Surprisingly, Reed was not the first alternate in place should one of the original four players selected not be able to participate. Both Patrick Cantlay and Brooks Koepka opted out of competition paving the way for third alternate, Patrick Reed, to take their place.
 
Reed is fresh off his appearance at the 3M Open where he finished with a 6 under to tie for 23rd. After the tournament on Sunday, he was asked about the upcoming Olympic games.
 
“These days with how good yardage books are and with how much we have to kind of figure things out on the fly as it is, I expect to go in there and play well and be able to manage the golf course and hit the golf shots,” he said.
 
“It feels like an obligation and a duty of mine to go out and play for our country whenever I can and whenever I get the call. To be able to call myself not just an Olympian but a two-time Olympian is pretty sweet.”
 

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The Spirit of the Links

From Scotland’s Shores to North America’s Coasts explore golf’s historic roots.

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Golf, a sport steeped in tradition and history, finds its roots deeply embedded in the sandy soils of Scotland’s links courses. These courses, characterized by their coastal settings, rolling dunes, and deep bunkers, offer a golfing experience that is both challenging and steeped in the game’s ancient traditions. This article explores the quintessential links courses of Scotland, including the renowned Kingsbarns, and compares them to their counterparts in North America, highlighting the differences that define and distinguish these iconic golf landscapes.

The Essence of Scottish Links

Scottish links courses are the original venues for the game of golf, with their history tracing back over several centuries. Kingsbarns, located near St. Andrews—the acknowledged ‘Home of Golf’—is a prime example. Though it was only opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has quickly become a jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course captures the true spirit of links golf with its rugged coastline, natural bunkers, and undulating fairways that challenge even the most skilled golfers.

Links courses, by definition, are built on sandy land along coastlines. In Scotland, these courses are battered by the elements, with wind playing a significant role in the game, requiring golfers to exhibit not just skill but also creativity and adaptability. The courses are typically devoid of trees, using the natural landscape such as dunes and native grasses to define their boundaries.

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North American Links

While true links courses are a product of their environment, several courses in North America seek to replicate the Scottish experience. Courses like Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Cabot Links in Nova Scotia are designed to mirror the natural, rugged elegance of Scottish links. Bandon Dunes, for example, sits atop a windswept bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its natural vegetation, dune topography, and wind conditions are reminiscent of Scotland’s storied courses.

Cabot Links, on the other hand, is Canada’s first true links course, featuring panoramic views and a layout that adheres to the natural landscape. Like its Scottish inspirations, Cabot Links utilizes fescue grasses and minimizes artificial water hazards, relying on wind and natural land forms to challenge players.

Links vs. Regular Courses

The main difference between a links course and a regular golf course lies in their interaction with the natural environment. Traditional golf courses, often referred to as “parkland courses,” are usually more manicured and contain lush, tree-lined fairways, with defined rough and strategic water hazards. They are designed to be more sheltered from the wind, offering a different type of challenge compared to the open, exposed links courses.

Links courses embrace the raw, natural state of their coastal landscapes. The ground tends to be harder and the grass shorter, which affects ball behavior, encouraging a ground game where golfers must play more along the earth, using the contours of the land to their advantage.

The allure of links golf lies in its simplicity and its challenge—the game as it was originally played, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Whether in Scotland or North America, these courses provide a profound connection to the elements, offering a pure golf experience that is as mentally challenging as it is physically.

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TGL, Skins, and the World Series of Golf—Oh My!

Explore golf’s thrilling new formats—from TGL’s digital arenas to high-stakes Skins and poker-inspired World Series of Golf, as Ty Webb humorously guides you through the game’s exciting evolution.

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Hey there, fellow golfers, duffers, and sand-trap enthusiasts! Ty Webb here—ready to chat about a topic almost as intriguing as the mysterious forces that cause your golf balls to magnetically find water hazards. The game we love is changing faster than Judge Smails’ mood after a missed putt, and these new formats are shaking things up faster than my backswing (which, I’ll remind you, is flawless).

First up, we’ve got TGL—Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s brainchild. Imagine golf, but in a high-tech simulator arena, with live crowds and digital drama. It’s like playing a round inside a video game—minus the reset button. It’s fast, it’s futuristic, and it might just make traditionalists clutch their cardigan sweaters a little tighter. But hey, change can be good—like switching from a putter that doesn’t work to another putter that doesn’t work.

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Then we’ve got the Skins Game, golf’s original “put your money where your mouth is” contest. It’s straightforward—win a hole, win some cash. Lose a hole, watch your buddy strut around like he’s just sunk a 90-footer at Augusta. The Skins format keeps the stakes high, the tension higher, and friendships on the line. It’s golf with bravado, swagger, and a bit of friendly financial risk—exactly how I like my weekends.

And finally, we have the World Series of Golf—imagine poker and golf decided to collaborate, and neither was sober at the time. Players bet on each hole, raising, folding, and bluffing their way through a round. It’s as much about strategy and psychological warfare as it is about hitting a decent tee shot. One moment you’re all-in, the next you’re questioning every life decision you’ve ever made. Classic golf, am I right?

So there you have it, friends. Golf isn’t just changing—it’s evolving, innovating, and occasionally terrifying the purists. But rest easy, because whether you’re in a virtual arena, sweating over Skins cash, or bluffing your way through the World Series of Golf, the spirit of the game remains: hit the ball, find the ball, repeat as necessary. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with destiny—and a very forgiving 9-iron.

Fore!

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How to control your anger on the golf course

Golf is a game of precision, patience—and sometimes, pure frustration. Here’s how to manage your emotions when the pressure builds, and what we can all learn from high-profile blowups like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler-smashing moment.

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Golf and Anger: A Tough Combo on the Course

Golf is often praised as a game of mental toughness. Yet even the most seasoned professionals are not immune to letting emotions get the best of them. Just ask Adam Hadwin, who, during the 2025 Valspar Championship, made headlines after smashing a sprinkler head in frustration during his round at Innisbrook.

The moment—caught on camera—spread quickly across social media, sparking debates around sportsmanship, mental health, and the psychological toll of high-pressure competition. But while it’s easy to point fingers, the truth is: golf is hard. And controlling anger on the golf course is a skill many of us are still trying to master.

Why Golf Makes Us So Angry

Let’s be honest—golf can feel cruel. One minute you’re striping drives down the fairway, and the next, you’re chipping back and forth across a green like you’ve never held a club before. It’s a game that challenges both your skill and your patience.

The mental pressure in golf is unique:

  • You’re often alone with your thoughts.
  • There’s time to stew between shots.
  • Every swing carries weight, especially in competition.
  • And most golfers are their own worst critics.

For pros like Hadwin, there’s the added layer of TV cameras, fans, sponsors, and expectations. But even for weekend warriors, the emotional stakes feel real.

The Consequences of Losing Control

Lashing out in anger might feel good in the moment—but it rarely helps your game. In fact, it often leads to a downward spiral:

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  • Loss of focus
  • Tension in the swing
  • Poor decision-making
  • Embarrassment or regret afterward

Hadwin’s sprinkler moment is a prime example of how pressure can boil over—even for seasoned tour pros. But it’s also a reminder that anger, if left unchecked, can sabotage your performance and your reputation.

How to Manage Anger on the Golf Course

So what can you do when the frustration starts to build? Here are proven anger management tips for golfers that can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

Before you snap, your body often sends subtle signals—tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Learn to recognize these cues so you can catch yourself early.

2. Have a Reset Routine

Pros like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa use breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or visual routines between shots. Try:

  • Taking a deep breath through your nose and exhaling slowly.
  • Looking at the treetops or sky for a few seconds to reset your focus.
  • Repeating a calming phrase like “next shot” or “stay loose.”

3. Walk It Off

Walking between shots gives you a chance to cool down—literally and mentally. Use that time to reset and detach emotionally from the last swing.

4. Use Humor or Self-Talk

Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. Making a light comment or reminding yourself it’s just a game can diffuse tension and help you stay grounded.

5. Set Process Goals, Not Outcome Goals

Instead of obsessing over score, focus on things you can control—like tempo, alignment, or course management. This shift in mindset can reduce frustration when things don’t go perfectly.

6. Keep Perspective

Ask yourself: “Will I remember this shot a week from now?” If not, it’s probably not worth the outburst. Golf is a lifelong game—one bad hole doesn’t define you.

Golf Is an Emotional Game—But It’s Also a Teacher

Every round presents an opportunity—not just to shoot a lower score, but to practice patience, resilience, and grace under pressure. Yes, moments like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler smash are dramatic. But they’re also human.

The key isn’t to avoid frustration altogether—it’s learning how to respond to it.

So next time you chunk a wedge or lip out a birdie putt, take a breath. Channel your inner pro—not the angry one—and move on to the next shot with purpose.

Because in golf, as in life, how you handle the tough moments says more than any scorecard ever could.

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