Jon Rahm on Saturday after learning he had tested positive for Covid-19.
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DUBLIN, Ohio — Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament due to a positive Covid-19 test on Saturday, just seconds after claiming a six-stroke lead at the 54-hole mark.
PGA Tour officials alerted the 26-year-old of his positive test as he walked off the 18th green at Muirfield Village. Immediately, the reigning Memorial champ bent over in shock. Rahm had shot an eight-under 64 in Saturday’s third round and vaulted himself into a runaway lead.
“Oh my god, not again,” CBS cameras caught Rahm saying, before putting on a mask and heading into the scorer’s tent.
A statement from the PGA Tour later confirmed that the former world No. 1 had been forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test.
“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PGA Tour’s medical advisor notified Rahm immediately upon completion of his round, and under Tour protocols, he will be withdrawn from the competition,” the Tour’s statement read. “Rahm is now in isolation, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, he will need to remain in isolation through Tuesday, June 15.”
According to the Tour, Rahm’s positive test came four days after he entered a more stringent set of contract-tracing protocols meant for players who come in close contact with someone who tests Covid-19 positive.
“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,” the statement said. “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’s positive test came around 4:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to the Tour, right at the beginning of his back nine.
“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 statement said. “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.”
