Bryson DeChambeau out of Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19

July 25, 2021 steven

TOKYO — Bryson DeChambeau will not be representing the United States in the men’s golf competition at the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19.

USA Golf announced the news Sunday morning in Japan, late Saturday night in the U.S. He will be replaced by Patrick Reed as one of four American golfers in the field of 60.

“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” DeChambeau said in a statement through USA Golf. “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.”

DeChambeau tested positive prior to traveling to Tokyo as part of the final testing protocol.

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Other notable names in the U.S. delegation who tested positive before arriving in Tokyo include Katie Lou Samuelson (3-on-3 basketball), Taylor Crabb (beach volleyball) and Coco Gauff (tennis). Additionally, gymnastics alternate Kara Eaker tested positive in Japan.

Reed is now a two-time Olympian, having participated in the 2016 Rio Games. He will be joined by reigning Open Champion Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas. Countries are given two entries, but the United States secured four spots with four players ranked in the top-15 for Olympic qualifiers.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” Reed said in a statement. “I wish Bryson nothing but the best, and I know how disappointed he is to not be able to compete, and I will do my best to play my best and represent our country.”

American Dustin Johnson would have qualified but decided to not participate.

Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.