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.
“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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Wonder if they were vaccinated? Which may have helped …
I know he’s only had one great tournament this year, but I think it would be great if Mickelson had been tapped to go as a substitute player.