Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for Covid-19 before leaving the United States for the Olympics and will miss the Tokyo Games. He’ll be replaced by Patrick Reed.
DeChambeau, last year’s US Open champion, becomes the highest-profile athlete to test positive for the virus.
DeChambeau said: “I am deeply disappointed not to be able to compete in the Olympics for Team USA.
“Representing my country means the world to me and it is was a tremendous honour 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.”
Reed was scheduled to undergo testing Sunday and Monday to clear himself to compete in Tokyo. The first round at the Kasumigaseki Country Club is set for Thursday.
The 30-year-old Texan joins Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele in the men’s competition, with Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda comprising the women’s team.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” Reed said. “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.”
Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, is now the only two-time Olympian in the sport, which was reintroduced to the program in 2016 after a 112-year absence.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Bryson, as we know how much he was looking forward to representing the United States in his first Olympics,” USA Golf executive director Andy Levinson said in a statement. “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 USA and for his country. We’re excited to welcome him to Tokyo soon and know he’ll be a formidable competitor for Team USA.”