Golfer Jon Rahm tests positive for COVID-19, withdraws from Memorial Tournament

June 6 (UPI) -- Spanish golfer Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament while leading through three rounds Saturday after testing positive for COVID-19.

The PGA Tour announced that Rahm, who held a 6-stroke lead over the field, tested positive for the virus after his completing his second round on Saturday afternoon. He was informed of the results following the third round and immediately withdrew."

"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PGA Tour's medical advisor notified Rahm immediately upon completion of his round and under tour protocols, he will be withdrawn from the competition.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," the tour said.

Rahm was placed into the PGA Tour's contact tracing protocols on Monday after coming into close contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.

He elected to remain in the tournament, subjecting himself to daily testing and facing restricted access to indoor facilities at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

The PGA Tour said that Rahm tested negative every day before Saturday and remained asymptomatic.

"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," it said. "Rahm is the first positive, asymptomatic case as part of the tour's routine, contact-tracing protocols."

In a statement shared to Twitter, Rahm said that he will "take all of the necessary precautions" to remain safe and healthy and looks forward to "returning to the golf course as soon as possible"

"I'm very disappointed in having to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament," he wrote. "This is one of those things that happens in life, one of those moments where how we respond to a setback defines us as people."