COVID-19 deprives the Tokyo Games of a first famous sportsman: the American Bryson DeChambeau, winner of the US Open 2020, was forced to withdraw after receiving a positive test result, and the Olympic tournament golf club thus loses one of its stars.
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DeChambeau “will not be able to participate in the Olympics because he tested positive for COVID-19 before his departure” for Japan, the PGA Tour announced in a message on Twitter.
The sixth player in the world will be replaced in the American team by Patrick Reed, who was already present at the Rio golf events in 2016.
“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to participate in the Olympics for Team USA. Representing my country means everything to me, and it was a huge honor to be part of this team, ”said DeChambeau.
“I only wish Bryson the best, and I know how disappointed he is that he can’t compete. I will do my best to play my best and represent our country well ”, reacted Reed.
Because of the power of his drive and his growing notoriety in the golf microcosm – since he won the US Open last year with a show of strength, much to the chagrin of opponents. being able to compete with him – DeChambeau was eagerly awaited in Tokyo.
A first major consecration for this atypical golfer, with a beret screwed on the head, always looking for different scientific means to improve his game, but also his physique.
Thus, during the first months of the pandemic, when world sport was under wraps, he followed a high protein diet which made him gain twenty kilos of muscle, precisely to hit the ball as hard as possible on his first approaches.
On the gigantic 7,447-yard (6,800 m) long course of Kasumigaseki Country Club, a par 71, he could have wreaked havoc, although he was not in great shape during the recent major meetings on the PGA circuit.
The 27-year-old American only placed 33e place of the British Open, the last Grand Slam of the season. Previously he finished 26e de l’US Open, 38e of the USPGA and 46e of the Masters. But his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in May ensured his qualification for the Tokyo Games, as the four highest-ranked Americans in the season’s standings received their sesame.
In addition to Patrick Reed, winner of the Masters 2018 and who therefore replaces DeChambeau, will be present from Thursday Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa – winner of the British Open a week ago – and Xander Sc Chaudele.
