The PGA Tour has described Spanish star Jon Rahm’s withdrawal from the ongoing Memorial Tournament after testing positive for Covid-19 as an ‘incredibly unfortunate situation’, noting that this is the only the fourth time that there has been a positive test during competition since the tour’s return last June.
Defending champion Rahm was leading the tournament by six shots from Patrick Cantlay and Colin Morikawa after a superb third round 64. However, the Spaniard was notified by tour officials of his positive test result following the conclusion of his round on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Rahm had scored a hole-in-one at the par-three 16th hole of Muirfield Village while completing his second round due to weather delays.
As he had come in close contact with a person who was Covid-19 positive, following PGA Tour protocols Rahm had to undergo daily testing and had restricted access to indoor facilities He was asymptomatic and had tested negative each day, until the most recent test after finishing his second round.
As per CDC guidelines, Rahm will be in self isolation until June 15.
PGA Tour statement on Jon Rahm:
“On the evening Monday, May 31, the PGA TOUR notified Jon Rahm that he was subject to contact-tracing protocols, as he had come in close contact with a person who was COVID positive. Per the TOUR’s COVID Health & Safety Plan, Rahm was given the option to remain in the competition and enter our tracing protocol, which includes daily testing and restricted access to indoor facilities. Rahm has remained asymptomatic.
“Rahm has tested negative every day, but his most recent test – which was performed after the conclusion of his second round (rain delayed) and before the start of his third round – returned positive at approximately 4:20 p.m. ET while Rahm was on the golf course. The PGA TOUR’s medical advisor requested a confirmatory test on the original sample, which came back at 6:05 p.m. ET, and was also positive.
“The PGA TOUR’s medical advisor notified Rahm immediately upon completion of his round, and under TOUR protocols, he will be withdrawn from the competition. Rahm is now in isolation, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, he will need to remain in isolation through Tuesday, June 15.
“While this is an incredibly unfortunate situation, throughout 50 events since the PGA TOUR’s Return to Golf, there have been only four positive tests (including Rahm) within competition; Rahm is the first positive, asymptomatic case as part of the TOUR’s routine, contact-tracing protocols.”
The 26-year-old Rahm posted on his social media channels:
“I’m very disappointed in having to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament. This is one of those things that happens in life, one of those moments where how we respond to a setback defines us as people.
“I’m very thankful that all my family and I are OK. I will take all of the necessary precautions to be safe and healthy, and I look forward to returning to the golf course as soon as possible.
“Thank you to all of the fans for their support and I’m looking forward to watching the showdown tomorrow afternoon with you all.”
