Golfer Jon Rahm Was Cruising Toward a $1.7 Million Win—Until His Positive Covid Test

The Spaniard was forced to withdraw from the Memorial with a six-shot lead and a clear path toward the lucrative prize

Jon Rahm sank his final putt at the Memorial Tournament on Saturday with a six-stroke lead and a cakewalk to a lucrative purse.

Moments later he was in agony. He had tested positive for Covid-19.

Rahm withdrew from the tournament—and forfeited his chance to win nearly $1.7 million—after officials informed him of his positive result. The incident was a stark reminder that while vaccines have provided a safety net for fans to return to golf tournaments, NBA arenas and MLB stadiums, the virus isn’t yet done upending those same sports events.

For Rahm, the consequences have a price tag. The 26-year-old Spaniard, ranked No. 3 in the world, is perhaps the best golfer today without a major to his name. His brilliant play in this tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio was highlighted by a hole-in-one during his second round. He had a huge lead and there was no reason to think there was any chance of him getting caught.

Then as he walked off the 18th green he was informed of perhaps the only thing that could beat him: coronavirus.

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