By Rahul Banerji
The Tokyo Olympics golf competition was hit with a double whammy over the weekend with Spain’s world no. 1 Jon Rahm and US star Bryson DeChambeau testing positive for Covid-19.
The tests were part of the final phase of precautions sought by the host nation on the eve of the teams’ departures for Tokyo.
The International Golf Federation said it was informed on Sunday that Rahm tested positive as part of the final testing protocol and therefore unable to compete for Spain.
“The Spanish Olympic Committee stated that without adequate time to find a replacement and comply with the necessary health protocols required for the 2020 Olympics, Spain will only be represented by Adri Arnaus,” the IGF said.
Earlier, the long-hitting DeChambeau was replaced by Patrick Reed, USA Golf said.
“Representing my country means the world to me and it is was a tremendous honour to make this team,” the world no. 6 said in the USA Golf statement.
“I wish Team USA the best of luck next week in Tokyo.”
Team America will now be Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele and Reed (men’s), and Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda in the women’s event.
The men’s competition opens on Thursday at the prestigious Kasumigaseki Country Club and runs through till Sunday, August 1. It will be followed by the women’s event at the same venue from August 4 to 7.
USA Golf statement
Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for Covid-19, as part of the final testing protocol before he left for the Olympics 2020 in Japan. He will be unable to compete for Team USA.
Patrick Reed will replace DeChambeau and is undergoing the requisite testing protocol today, Sunday and Monday before departing for Japan.
The first round of competition is Thursday, July 29 (local time).
Reed is now the only two-time Olympian for the men’s competition, as he played for Team USA in 2016 and now in the 2020 Olympics.
Team USA Golf now includes Patrick Reed plus Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele in the men’s competition, and Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda in the women’s competition.
“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.”
“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 honour to make this team. I wish Team USA the best of luck next week in Tokyo.
New focus
“I will now focus on getting healthy, and I look forward to returning to competition once I am cleared to do so.”
“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.
“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. It illustrates the importance of the Olympics and the value Patrick places on playing for Team USA and for his country.
“We’re excited to welcome him to Tokyo soon and know he’ll be a formidable competitor for Team USA.”
The International Golf Federation (IGF) was informed of the development on Sunday.
Hideki-san all set
Meanwhile, home hero Hideki Matsuyama “can’t wait” to launch his quest for a prized gold medal for Japan, the IGF said in a statement.
Matsuyama, 29, was in a relaxed mood as he took time out from his preparation at Kasumigaseki on Sunday to pose for team photos with male compatriot Rikuya Hoshino, and the women’s team of Nasa Hataoka and Mone Inami.
Standing in front of the Olympic rings at the venue, the six-time PGA Tour winner said, “Finally, the Olympic Games will begin soon. I will brace myself and I hope I can deliver a good performance.”
Matsuyama will carry his nation’s golden hopes just three months after securing a historic Masters triumph where he became the first male major winner from Japan.
While his lead-up to the Olympics hit a road bump after he tested positive for the virus on July 2, Matsuyama said he would be ready for the stellar field assembling at Kasumigaseki.
Comeback trail
“When I got infected with Covid-19 in the US, I could not really practice. But since I came back, I have been able to practice gradually, so I can’t wait to tee up in the competition,” said Matsuyama.
“My condition has been getting better and I am looking forward to the Olympic Games.”
A return to Kasumigaseki CC brings back happy memories for Matsuyama, who won the 2009 Japan Junior and 2010 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) there.
It was also the site of Japan’s famous victory in the 1957 Canada Cup, the precursor to the World Cup which sparked a golf boom in the country.
Also read: Lahiri, Aditi head for Tokyo Olympics with form in the pocket
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