SPANISH superstar Jon Rahm is in quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus with a second Memorial victory at his mercy.
The world No3 had just walked off the 18th green at Muirfield Village in Ohio, after opening up a six-shot gap with a sensational third-round 64, when he was told of his test result.
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He was forced to withdraw from the tournament and will have to remain in isolation until June 17 – two days before the start of the US Open.
Rahm took the blow on the chin and said: “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.
“I’m very thankful that my family and I are all OK. I will take all of the necessary precautions to be safe and healthy, and I look forward to returning to the golf course as soon as possible.”
It was a crushing blow for Rahm, the defending Memorial champion following an impressive three-shot victory 12 months ago.
He seemed certain to repeat that triumph today after shooting the lowest round of the week, and had earlier celebrated a hole in one as he completed his weather-hit second round.
He was tested after finishing off that second round, and the positive result came back while he was on the course for round three on Saturday.
A second test on the same sample confirmed the result and wrecked his chances of another £1.18million payday.
PGA Tour officials revealed that Rahm had been given the option of pulling out of the event at the start of the week, after the track-and-trace system showed he had come into contact with a Covid-19 sufferer.
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