2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau won’t be able to represent the United States golf team in the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. DeChambeau tested positive for COVID in the final testing protocol before leaving the United States. He will be replaced by Patrick Reed, who now becomes the only two-time Olympian on Team USA.
USA Golf released a statement announcing the news on Saturday night.
USA Golf announces Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for COVID-19 and is replaced at the Olympics by Patrick Reed. pic.twitter.com/QSmfYzlnmR
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) July 25, 2021
DeChambeau:
“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” said DeChambeau. “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.”
Reed:
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” said Reed. “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.”
DeChambeau, 27, is an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour and currently ranks as the No. 6 player in the world.
Reed, 30, won the 2018 Masters Tournament and ranks as the No. 13 player in the world.
Team USA also features Collin Morikawa (No. 3 in the world), Justin Thomas (No. 4), and Xander Schauffele (No. 5).