Golfer Jon Rahm Learns He Has COVID-19 on Live TV While Leading in Memorial Tournament

Professional golfer Jon Rahm was given some unfortunate news while playing in the third round of the 2021 Memorial Tournament on Saturday (June 5) in Dublin, Ohio.

The 26-year-old golfer received news, while on live television, that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would be forced to withdraw from the tournament.

Immediately after finishing the round and maintaining a six-shot lead on the competition, Rahm was told that he would have to withdraw. He was seen breaking down in the emotional moment.

The PGA Tour has released a statement to explain what happened.

Click inside to read the statement from the organization and to watch video…

Read the full statement below:

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PGA TOUR’s medical advisor notified Rahm immediately upon completion of his round, and under TOUR protocols, he will be withdrawn from the competition.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.