Positive tests rule out Rahm and DeChambeau

The men’s Olympic golf competition beginning on Thursday will be seriously diminished following the shock withdrawals of world No 1 Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau yesterday, after both tested positive for Covid-19. For Rahm, this is the second time in as many months that he has tested positive, and comes just three weeks after declaring that he felt ‘invincible’ regarding Covid. ‘I’ve got it all,’ said the Spaniard (right) at the Scottish Open. ‘I’ve had it, I’ve got the antibodies and I’ve got the vaccination. I feel invincible at this point.’ DeChambeau’s positive test, coming hours before he was due to fly to Tokyo, completes a wretched summer for the Mad Scientist, after he failed to contend at any of the four majors. ‘I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,’ he said, in a statement. ‘Representing my country means the world to me and it was a tremendous honour to make this team.’ he will be replaced by Captain America himself, Patrick Reed, who has certainly shown true commitment to put himself forward at the 11th hour, since he was finishing up yesterday at the 3M Open in Minneapolis, after playing in the Open at Royal St George’s the previous week. he will have to undergo a further day of testing today before he is allowed to fly. ‘I wish Bryson nothing but the best and I know how disappointed he is but, for myself, I can’t tell you how excited I am to play for my country again at the Olympics,’ said Reed, who was present in Rio when golf made its return following a 112-year absence. As for the Spaniards, given the lateness of the hour, they were not able to come up with a replacement, with world No 166 Adri Arnaus now their sole participant.