Golf fans were stunned when leader Jon Rahm was told he had COVID and had to withdraw
A devastating turn of events for Jon Rahm at the Memorial Tournament.
In a stunning turn of events, the 2021 Memorial Tournament frontrunner Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the event after learning he tested positive for COVID-19 live on television. After finishing his third round of play as the six-stroke leader, cameras caught Rahm being told while exiting the course, clearly in disbelief at the news.
CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz was at first unsure of what was unfolding live on the course as cameras were pushed away from Rahm leaving the area. It was only after that moment when news came to light that Rahm had tested positive for COVID and was withdrawing as a result.
Here’s how the moment went down on CBS.
Surreal TV moment as six-stroke leader Jon Rahm learns he tested positive for COVID and Jim Nantz tries to make sense of it without knowing what Rahm's been told pic.twitter.com/WvD6LmAlxs
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) June 5, 2021
Jon Rahm has withdrawn from the Memorial Tournament after testing positive for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/fF630OV3ND
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 5, 2021
Minutes after the footage started to circulate on Twitter, the PGA TOUR released a statement on Rahm and his withdrawal.
PGA TOUR Statement on Jon Rahm pic.twitter.com/HvMmWLCHeq
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) June 5, 2021
According to the PGA TOUR, Rahm was the subject of contact-tracing protocols on May 31 after coming into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. Though Rahm tested negative every day, his most recent test — taken after the delayed second round on Friday and before the third round on Saturday — had flagged as positive.
Rahm’s first test came back positive during his round, but the PGA TOUR only informed him of the result after getting a second screening just after 6 p.m. ET. Thankfully, Rahm has been confirmed as asymptomatic and will remain in isolation through June 15.
The news shocked the golf world, with fans tossing sympathy behind Rahm while also confused at the PGA TOUR’s actions in not pulling him from competition sooner.
WHAT!?!? Rahm COVID positive!?
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 5, 2021
This is unbelievable and you have to feel for him.
Leading the Memorial by 6 shots Jon Rahm is told he’s tested positive for #Covid and is forced to withdrawal
Wishing him a speedy recovery https://t.co/RFTQbVABUj
— Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) June 5, 2021
Devastating news for Jon Rahm. He’s -18 thru three rounds, 6 shots up. Learns as he’s walking off 18th green he tests positive for COVID. Jim Nantz just said Rahm has to withdraw. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) June 5, 2021
So many questions right now. Foremost among them: What happens if one of Jon Rahm’s playing partners (or another contender) tests positive tomorrow? Forced to WD after it’s over? Collect the trophy and then quarantine? This was the nightmare scenario we envisioned 16 months ago.
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) June 5, 2021
Another question: If the PGA Tour knew of Jon Rahm's positive result before he finished – even if it was just two holes earlier or whatever – why would they deem him capable and safe enough to remain around his caddie, playing partners, fans, etc., but only forced to WD after?
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) June 5, 2021
The PGA Tour knew Jon Rahm tested positive for COVID, let him go around having the round of his life to pull way ahead of the field, and told him about it *after the round was over.* What, on like six levels, are we doing here?
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) June 5, 2021
Since you already let Rahm play the 3rd round with Covid…have him play as a single. If not then everyone in his group should be re-tested and removed. @PGATOUR you need to be better with this since it’s been almost 12 months with proper testing and protocols. #PGATour
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 5, 2021
Not only was Rahm having himself a day at the tournament finishing six strokes ahead, he also shot a tournament record 18-under par for the first three rounds. What a devastatingly unreal moment for Rahm.