MEMPHIS (Tenn.) -- Bryson de Chambeau was unable to compete in the men's Olympic tournament because of a positive COVID-19 test. He is still trying to find energy for this week's WGC–FedEx St. Jude Invitational.DeChambeau, 27 years old, said that he doesn't regret not getting vaccinated against the coronavirus.DeChambeau said that the vaccine does not necessarily stop it happening after his pro-am round of nine holes at TPC Southwind. "I am young enough that I would rather give it [the vaccine] if it was needed. It doesn't matter to me. I am a young, healthy person who will continue to work for my health."I don’t believe that taking vaccines away from people who need them is a good idea. My dad is an excellent example. Because he is diabetic, he got the vaccine early. It is essential for people like him to have it. It was my mom's. It's something I want to keep.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no shortage of vaccines in the United States.DeChambeau said: "Now, as time goes by, if [the vaccine] becomes mainstream, really, truly mainstream, then yes."This week, the CDC reported that more than 90% of COVID-19-related deaths in the U.S. and over 95% of hospitalizations and deaths were due to COVID-19.As part of Olympic protocol, DeChambeau was required to pass three COVID-19 test on consecutive days, 24 hour apart, and report negative results before being permitted to fly to Tokyo.He stated that he had tested positive for the drug on July 23, and added that a second test was performed in case it was false positive.He said, "They didn’t think it was false positive, they just wanted the certainty." "I didn’t feel anything for 2 days. Then, I felt tired. Two or three days ago, I felt much better. It's mostly funny. You stay home and quarantine for so many days, that you feel tired. It's not like you are doing anything.DeChambeau stated that he had tested negative prior to traveling to The Open in England. He also tested positive upon his arrival at the tournament, and again after he left. DeChambeau stated that this is his first positive test in more than a decade, after undergoing multiple tests at tournaments as well as as being required to travel.He said, "It was inevitable," It happened the following week, unfortunately. If you are exposed enough and travel around enough, chances are it will happen. Although I took every precaution to avoid contracting it, I was unfortunately able to test positive on Friday (July 23). In the aftermath, I was positive several times. It's impossible to change it."DeChambeau admitted that he was sorry he missed the Olympics and that he hopes to be able to compete in 2024. However, he felt detached from watching, as he wasn't competing."After I tested positive, my brain just shifted," DeChambeau said. "I love it [the Olympics] and thought it was incredible. I would love to be there in three more years.DeChambeau is well-known for his exercise routine, which has helped him gain 40 pounds and tone up. He leads the PGA Tour within driving distance.He said that he has lost between 8 and 10 pounds in the last two weeks, and feels his clubhead speed has dropped. He doesn't place too much importance on the results.DeChambeau stated that he was able to play for longer periods of time last year despite being sick. He was able swing on a simulator.He said, "I'm really not expecting much." "I'm just going to go out and trying my best to get through the week, feel comfortable, then do it again so that I can improve my golf swing. This week, I have lower expectations.DeChambeau will be playing the first round with Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Cameron Smith.
