Bryson DeChambeau, the No. 6 golfer in the world, has been removed from Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after a positive COVID-19 result in the final phase of testing before The Games. DeChambeau was the fourth-highest ranked American golfer at the Olympics.
“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 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 will step in as DeChambeau’s replacement once he clears testing protocols on Monday. Reed was a member of Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he finished T11.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” Reed said. “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.”
Round 1 of Olympic men’s golf begins on Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Reed, the No. 13 golfer in the world, is joined on Team USA by No. 3 Collin Morikawa, No. 4 Justin Thomas and No. 5 Xander Schauffele. The Americans brought home a single medal at the last Olympics with Matt Kuchar winning bronze.
SOURCE: cbssports.com