Washington: US Open Winner Bryson Dechambeau has been pulled out of the United States golf team after testing positive Covid-19 before his departure for the Tokyo Olympics.
Dechambeau 27 years old, who won Major last year, was found to be infected with a virus in the test carried out as part of the final testing protocol.
Patrick Reed will replace Dechambeau and is undergoing the test protocol required on Sunday and Monday before leaving for Tokyo, US golf said in a statement.
The first round of the golf competition will begin on Thursday.
“I was very disappointed not to be able to compete at the Olympics for the USA team,” Dechambeau said.
“Representing my country means the world for me and it is an extraordinary honor to make this team.
I hope to the USA team will be lucky next week in Tokyo.” Reed is now the only Olympics twice for a male golf competition, because he also played in 2016 Rio Games.
Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele are three other golfers in the US men’s team while Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korta are in a female competition.
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to represent our country and become part of the USA team in Tokyo,” Reed said.
“I hope Bryson isn’t the best, and I know how disappointed he can’t compete, and I will do my best to play the best and represent our country.”