American golfer Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for Covid-19.
DeChambeau was due to represent his country in the event starting on Thursday at Kasumigaseki Country Club, but received news of his positive test before he departed for Japan.
The 2020 US Open champion is the latest athlete to have their Olympics plans ruined by coronavirus. DeChambeau will be replaced by Patrick Reed, who will line up alongside Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.
“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.”
“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.”
DeChambeau is one of golf’s more divisive figures, earning the nickname ‘The Mad Scientist’ due to his unorthodox approach to the game and getting involved in a public spat with Brooks Koepka.
Controversy has also followed Reed throughout his career, but he has previously thrived in team golf at the Ryder Cup where he was the US side’s self-styled ‘Captain America’.
Golf returned to the summer Games after a 112-year absence at Rio 2016 when Justin Rose claimed the gold medal for Team GB. Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood will represent Team GB’s men this year, with Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Mel Reid in the women’s event.