Bryson DeChambeau To Miss Tokyo Olympics After Testing Positive For COVID-19

After a reported final round of COVID testing prior to leaving for Tokyo, Team U.S.A. golfer Bryson DeChambeau (6) will be forced to miss the Summer Olympic Games after testing positive for the virus.

Filling in for DeChambeau is Patrick Reed (13), joining Collin Morikawa (3), Justin Thomas (4) and Xander Schauffele (5) to represent Team U.S.A. in Tokyo.

Team U.S.A. released a statement regarding DeChambeau's positive test, a massive blow to the golfer's first invite to the Olympics. The national team's executive director Andy Levinson said the following:

“We’re obviously disappointed for Bryson, as we know how much he was looking forward to representing the United States in his first Olympics. 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 and 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 really illustrates the importance of the Olympics and the value Patrick places on playing for Team U.S.A. and for his country. We’re excited to welcome him to Tokyo soon and know he’ll be a formidable competitor for Team U.S.A.”

Bryson also provided his thoughts on the COVID test, then extending his best wishes to Patrick Reed and his teammates. As of this reporting, there is no information on whether DeChambeau has been vaccinated.

“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team U.S.A. Representing my country means the world to me and it is was a tremendous honor to make this team. I wish Team U.S.A. 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.” 

As OutKick's Clay Travis told Brian Kilmeade on Fox & Friends, caution on behalf of sponsors pulling out of the Olympic Games has been warranted based on the uncertainty of the virus' spread in Tokyo. "First of all, we don't know what the overall impact of COVID is going to be. Some of the top athletes could end up getting knocked out of performance," said Clay.

Team U.S.A. Golf will be swinging for gold starting July 29. Join OutKick VIP for the latest updates on the Olympic Games.