Star golfer Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament on Saturday because he tested positive for COVID-19.
Rahm had a 6-shot lead at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted tournament prior to his removal. He was told he’d tested positive immediately after finishing his third round Saturday and appeared to break down at the news in a moment caught on live TV.
The world’s No. 3-ranked golfer was in close contact with an infected individual leading up to the tournament, according to a PGA statement. The PGA informed Rahm on Monday that he’d be subject to daily testing and increased monitoring as a result.
Rahm tested negative on all following days until Saturday, according to the PGA. He has remained asymptomatic.
Rahm was tested early Saturday after completing his suspended second round, which was pushed into the Memorial’s third day due to rain at the tournament near Columbus, Ohio.
The diagnosis didn’t affect his play. He had a hole-in-one on the 16th hole in the conclusion of the second round, then fired a 64 — with a sizzling 30 on the back nine — in the third round.
The post-second-round test came back positive at 4:20 p.m., the PGA said. Rahm was on the course at the time. The PGA ordered a confirmation test, and the positive result was confirmed at 6:05 p.m., according to the statement.
Rahm, who won the tournament last year, finished his third round at 18-under par for the tournament. With his removal from competition, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay are now tied for the lead at 12-under.
Centers for Disease Control guidelines require Rahm to remain in isolation until June 15. The U.S. Open begins June 17.
