Positive Covid-19 test forces top-ranked golfer to withdraw from the PGA tournament he was winning

Spanish Golfer Jon Rahm was recently forced to drop out of the Memorial golf tournament in Dublin, Ohio because he tested positive for Covid-19.

Rahm was asymptomatic but had reportedly come into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19.

The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) requires contract tracing and testing if it is reported that someone comes into contact with someone who tested positive.

Officials haven't made public who Rahm came into contact with or how the PGA became aware of the contact.

Rahm received the devastating news as he was leaving the 18th green after tying the Memorial record for largest 54-hole lead set by Tiger Woods in 2000.

Rahm started the day with a one-stroke lead and ended the day with a 6-shot cushion.

Had Rahm won the tournament, he would have joined Woods as the only two golfers to repeat a win at the Memorial.

The ramifications of the positive Covid-19 test go beyond the Memorial Tournament.

Rahm was required to self-isolate for 10 days. That will leave him time for just one practice round before the start of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, where Rahm won his first PGA Tour victory four years ago.

Memorial Tournament winnings are reportedly over $1.67 million.