The world No. 1 and the American golf phenomenon will not line up in Tokyo. Hard blow for the Olympic event.
World No.1 Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has been forced to forfeit the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive Covid test, the Spanish National Olympic Committee (COE) announced on Sunday.
Three PCR tests
Rahm, who had finished third in the British Open on July 18, just before the start of the Olympics, had to undergo three PCR tests before heading to Tokyo, like everyone who has recently been to Britain. The first two tests were negative but the third was positive, the COE said.
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This is the second time that the Covid has prevented Rahm from taking part in a tournament. The Spanish golfer had already had to withdraw from the Memorial PGA Tournament in the United States last June while leading the competition, after testing positive.
“Lack of time to find a replacement and meet all the health protocols required for the Tokyo Games”, Rahm will not be replaced, explained the WCC. “Spanish golf will only be represented in the men’s category by Adri Arnau.”
A few hours after DeChambeau
Rahm’s forfeit, one of the main medal chances for Spain, comes a few hours after that of the American Bryson DeChambeau, also tested positive for the coronavirus. The winner of the US Open 2020, was forced to forfeit after testing positive and the Olympic golf tournament lost one of its stars.
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DeChambeau “Will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games because he tested positive for Covid-19 before his departure” for Japan, the PGA Tour announced in a Twitter post.
The 6th 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 ”, lamented DeChambeau.
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