Jackson Reid
Jon Rahm, the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world, tested positive for COVID-19 after the third round of the Memorial Tournament in June 2021. Rahm had been partially vaccinated, but he had not completed the 14-day window required after receiving his final dose. This meant he was not considered fully vaccinated and was subjected to daily testing during the tournament. Rahm's positive test result forced him to withdraw from the tournament, where he was leading by six shots. The golfer expressed regret for not getting vaccinated earlier, acknowledging that it impacted his performance and resulted in a financial loss. Rahm's experience highlighted the importance of vaccinations for professional athletes and is expected to influence others in the golfing community to get vaccinated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golfer's name | Jon Rahm |
| Date of positive test | June 2021 |
| Tournament withdrawn from | Memorial Tournament |
| Reason for withdrawal | Positive COVID-19 test |
| Vaccination status | Partially vaccinated |
| Time since final vaccine dose | Less than 14 days |
| Outcome | Lost $1.67 million |
| Future intentions | Encouraged others to get vaccinated |
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What You'll Learn
Jon Rahm's COVID-forced exit from Memorial
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, reigning champion Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, after testing positive for COVID-19. Rahm had just completed a third-round 64, giving him a six-stroke lead and putting him on track to become the first player since Tiger Woods to win the Memorial in back-to-back years.
Rahm was informed of his positive test result by PGA Tour officials as he stepped off the 18th green. Under the tour's protocols, he was immediately withdrawn from the competition and required to isolate for 10 days. Rahm was asymptomatic, and subsequent tests returned negative results.
The news of Rahm's positive test came as a shock to fans and commentators, who were reminded of the ongoing presence of COVID-19. Many fans expressed disappointment that Rahm was unable to complete the tournament, but agreed that his withdrawal was necessary for health and safety reasons.
The incident sparked discussions about vaccine hesitancy among professional athletes, with some suggesting that Rahm's experience could encourage more athletes to get vaccinated. Rahm himself addressed the issue, stating that he had started the vaccination process but had not completed the required 14-day period before the tournament. He acknowledged that, in hindsight, he wished he had gotten vaccinated earlier.
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Rahm's vaccine decision
Jon Rahm's vaccine decision refers to the golfer's choice to delay getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Rahm, the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world, had to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament in June 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19. He was partially vaccinated at the time, but still within the 14-day window after receiving his final dose and was not considered fully vaccinated. Rahm lost out on a probable \$1.67 million payday, which he could have avoided had he been fully vaccinated.
Rahm himself acknowledged that he wished he had gotten the vaccine earlier. He stated that he was focused on preparing for the golf tournament and that scheduling purposes played a role in his decision to delay vaccination. Rahm's situation highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on professional sports and the importance of vaccinations in preventing infections and their associated consequences.
Rahm's decision to delay vaccination had financial implications, as he missed out on significant earnings by having to withdraw from the tournament. His choice also had personal consequences, as he had to isolate from his family, including his newborn son and parents, during his quarantine period.
Following his experience, Rahm returned to compete in the U.S. Open. He shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, "we live in a free country, so do as you please." Rahm's message reflects a sentiment of individual freedom in vaccination decisions, leaving it up to his fellow golfers to make their own choices.
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Rahm's forced withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament
On Saturday, 5 June 2021, golfer Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the PGA Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Rahm had just finished the third round with a six-stroke lead when he was informed that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was walked off the course and forced to withdraw. Rahm was asymptomatic, but under PGA Tour protocols, a positive test meant he had to withdraw from the tournament despite his huge lead.
Rahm instantly became the poster boy for COVID vaccinations on social media. It was later revealed that Rahm had been vaccinated but was still within the 14-day period where one can still get infected. Rahm said, "Looking back on it, yeah, I guess I wish I would have done it (vaccination) earlier, but thinking on scheduling purposes and having the PGA and defending the Memorial, to be honest, it wasn't on my mind."
The tournament winner was slated to receive a $1.67 million payout, which was likely headed Rahm's way if not for the positive test. Rahm took the news well, stating that he allowed himself to be upset for about 10 minutes, but then he called his wife and son to make sure they were okay. He then ordered milkshakes with his caddie and laughed about the situation.
Despite the setback, Rahm carried the momentum into the U.S. Open two weeks later at Torrey Pines and won his first major championship.
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Rahm's positive COVID-19 test
Jon Rahm, the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world, tested positive for COVID-19 in the middle of the Memorial Tournament in June 2021. Rahm had received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine just before the tournament, but he was still within the 14-day window required after receiving his final dose and was not yet considered fully vaccinated. As a result, he was subjected to daily testing throughout the tournament. After four days of negative tests, Rahm tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to withdraw from the tournament while holding a six-stroke lead. Rahm was asymptomatic and returned two subsequent negative tests before being cleared to compete in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
Rahm's experience served as a cautionary tale for other athletes who were hesitant to get vaccinated. Despite losing out on a significant payday, Rahm maintained a positive attitude and expressed his support for individual freedom regarding vaccination decisions. However, he did acknowledge that he wished he had gotten vaccinated earlier, recognizing the impact of his decision on his career and finances. Rahm's situation also highlighted the challenges of competing during a pandemic and the potential consequences of not being fully vaccinated.
The Memorial Tournament was not Rahm's last encounter with COVID-19. In 2021, Rahm again tested positive for COVID-19, causing him to miss the Tokyo Olympics. This positive test came nearly two months after his first bout with the virus, and it prevented him from representing Spain in the Games. Rahm's experience served as a reminder that the pandemic was still ongoing and that the fight against COVID-19 was not over.
Rahm's COVID-19 journey, from his initial positive test to his eventual return to competition, underscores the complex nature of navigating sports during a global health crisis. His story also highlights the ongoing efforts to encourage vaccination among athletes and the potential impact of vaccine hesitancy on athletic careers. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, Rahm's experience stands as a testament to the importance of making informed decisions and adapting to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
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Rahm's return to golf
Jon Rahm, the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world, returned to the golf course for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines after a COVID-forced exit from the Memorial Tournament. Rahm had to withdraw from the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19 following the third round, despite being asymptomatic. He had to isolate in Arizona until he produced two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. Rahm admitted that he was partially vaccinated when he was pulled out of the tournament, as he had not completed the 14-day window required after receiving his final dose. He expressed his regret, wishing he had gotten the vaccine earlier.
Rahm's withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament cost him $1.67 million, as he was leading the tournament by six shots. Rahm acknowledged the financial implications of his decision, stating that getting vaccinated is a "business decision in many ways." The incident highlighted the importance of vaccinations for professional athletes, with Rahm becoming an unintentional poster boy for COVID vaccinations on social media.
Despite the setback, Rahm remained confident about his performance at the U.S. Open. He stated that he was playing at a really high level and believed he could get back into form quickly. Rahm also reflected on the challenges of quarantining, expressing concern about potentially transmitting the virus to his family, especially his newborn son.
Rahm's return to the golf course at the U.S. Open marked a new chapter after his COVID-forced withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament. His experience served as a reminder of the ongoing pandemic and the impact of vaccination decisions, especially for high-profile athletes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jon Rahm tested positive for COVID-19 in June 2021.
No, Jon Rahm was partially vaccinated when he tested positive for COVID-19. He had received his first dose but had not completed the 14-day window required after receiving his final dose.
No, Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19. He was leading the tournament by six shots at the time.
