Bryson DeChambeau Tests Positive for COVID-19, Out of Olympics
Bryson DeChambeau's Olympic dream is over after USA Golf announced Saturday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
DeChambeau, 27, reportedly tested positive in his final screening before departing the U.S. for Tokyo.
“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” DeChambeau said in a statement. “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.”
Patrick Reed replaces DeChambeau on the men's U.S. team, where he joins Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele. Reed is the only member of the team who also competed in the Rio Games in 2016.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Bryson, as we know how much he was looking forward to representing the United States in his first Olympics,” said Andy Levinson, USA Golf Executive Director. “But we’re thrilled that Patrick Reed is excited to play for his country when he is called upon, even with the strenuous testing protocols and he is set to arrive just in time to compete – on a golf course he will have never seen prior to the start of competition."
Related: Read the full statement from USA Golf
There was no information provided on DeChambeau's current health or whether he is experiencing symptoms. The 27-year-old is currently No. 6 in the World Ranking and finished tied for 33rd last week at the British Open, which was scheduled to be his final tournament before competing in the Olympics.
This summer DeChambeau has been one of golf's biggest newsmakers -- and controversial figures. After the first round of the British Open, he drew criticism for saying that his driver "sucks." (He later apologized.) On July 6, DeChambeau played in a made-for-TV exhibition match along with Phil Mickelson and NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. And throughout the summer, he has fanned the flames of a social-media-fueled feud with fellow PGA Tour pro Brooks Koepka.
More Bryson DeChambeau News on Morning Read:
- Bryson DeChambeau Out of Olympics After Testing Positive for COVID-19
- Why Now is Time for Bryson DeChambeau to Grow Up
- DeChambeau Finishes Humbling Week at Open with Final-Round 65
- Bryson DeChambeau Says Driver 'Sucks' After Opening Round of British Open
- DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka Renew War of Words at British Open
- 'The Match' Starring Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau Was a Dud