Tokyo Olympics rocked by DOUBLE withdrawal of top golfers

World number one Jon Rahm withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time in two months, the Spanish Olympic Committee confirmed.

FOR THE VERY BEST COVERAGE OF THE TOKYO OLYMPICS PLEASE VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

Rahm, who stormed to victory at the US Open in June, returned a positive sample after undergoing mandatory testing following his recent participation in the British Open.

It was the latest twist to what has been a tumultuous season for the 26-year-old Spaniard.

READ | EXPERTS PREDICT SOUTH AFRICA WILL WIN FOUR MEDALS AT TOKYO OLYMPICS

In June, he was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament while defending a six-shot lead heading into the final round after returning a positive test.

Rahm later revealed he had been vaccinated shortly before contracting the disease.

READ | WILL CHAD LE CLOS ADD TO RECORD OLYMPIC MEDAL HAUL? WHY THE SMART MONEY SAYS NO

He then bounced back from that setback to clinch a stunning victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines a fortnight later, taking the championship with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.

Meanwhile, former US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau is also out of the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for coronavirus, the PGA Tour announced on Sunday, saying Patrick Reed would take his place.

“Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for Covid-19 as part of the final testing protocol before he left the United States for the Olympics 2020 in Japan,” the PGA said in a statement on behalf of USA Golf. 

“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.”

Dechambeau could not hide his bitter disappointment. 

“I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA,” said DeChambeau, who won the 2020 US Open.

“Representing my country means the world to me and it is was a tremendous honor to make this team.”

Reed, who won the Masters in 2018, will join Justin Thomas, recently crowned British Open champion Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele in the men’s competition.

“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.”