A positive COVID-19 test knocked Bryson DeChambeau out of the Summer Games in Tokyo and knocked the wind out of his sails.
Still, despite his dream of representing the U.S. in the Olympics suddenly turning into the unfortunate reality of missing the Summer Games, DeChambeau has no regrets not getting vaccinated.
Speaking publicly for the first time since a Covid-19 diagnosis kept him from the Olympic Games, Bryson DeChambeau addressed his symptoms, vaccine status and how he’s feeling entering this week’s FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
DeChambeau spoke to a small group of reporters that included Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner and ESPN’s Bob Harig after a nine-hole practice round in Memphis.
“The thing is, the vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent it from happening,” DeChambeau said Wednesday at TPC Southwind following his pro-am round ahead of the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. “I’m young enough. I’d rather give (the vaccine) to people who need it. I don’t need it. I’m healthy. I’m a young individual who will continue to be healthy and continue to work on my health.
“I don’t think that taking the vaccine away from somebody who could need it is a good thing for me,” he said. “Like my dad. He got it early on because of his status, being a diabetic. Now, over the course of time, if they really, really mainstream (the vaccine) and everything is vetted out, I won’t have an issue.”
DeChambeau, the reigning U.S. Open champion and currently ranked No. 7 in the world, tested positive twice just days before he was scheduled to head to Tokyo. Patrick Reed replaced DeChambeau. DeChambeau had tested negative three times before playing in the British Open in mid-July, where he tied for 33rd.
DeChambeau, 27, has tested negative ahead of traveling to Tennessee.
“It was the first time I tested positive,” he said. “It was bound to happen. Unfortunately, it happened during that week. The odds are, you’re testing year-round, you’re traveling the world, it’s going to happen.
“I tried to take all the necessary precautions to not get contracted. Unfortunately, I tested positive. We took a couple tests and tested negative both times and I couldn’t do anything about it.
“I didn’t feel (any symptoms) until two days after I tested positive. It was weird. I didn’t feel anything at all and then, all of a sudden, symptoms started coming on. I don’t know where I got it, how I got it, I was just home in Dallas and it was in the air. The day I tested positive I thought it was a false positive. That’s why I thought I was asymptomatic.”
Fatigue was his overriding symptom and DeChambeau said he slept “all the time.” He said he felt weaker, as well, more so because he wasn’t working out because he was sleeping much of the day and night. He also had a day full of “a few coughing spurts.” Because of his inactivity, he didn’t eat much, as well.
He said he’s lost 8-10 pounds and has been struggling with allergies since testing positive. He said he started feeling much better – “Where I could spend a full day outside,” he said – three days ago.
As for his power?
“I still hit golf balls in my stimulator. I don’t have as much speed coming back from it. I just didn’t practice for a week,” he said. “With my irons, nothing (speed wise has been lost). With driver, I can’t hit driver at home. My ceiling isn’t high enough. I’ve probably lost 5 mph with my driver.”
Despite losing his place on Team USA for the Olympics, DeChambeau still watched the men’s golf competition.
“It was sad when I tested positive,” DeChambeau said about missing the Olympics. “After I tested positive, my brain just shifted to a place where I just wasn’t in the Olympics. I loved (the Olympics). I hope I can be there in three years.”
DeChambeau has only played two 9-hole rounds since testing positive for COVID – both 9 hole rounds were played at TPC Southwind.
“I’m not really expecting much,” he said of this week. “I’m just going out here and trying to get through the week and feel comfortable and then do it again.
“Maybe lower expectations will help me this week.”
Originally reported on by: Golfweek.usatoday.com
He is so wrong, taking the vac. is not taking it away from anyone, there is plenty if not why would gov. be asking people to get vac. Yes at first you had to wait to get shots but not now. He needs to get his head out of his ###.
Amen. I guess Bryson is not as smart as we thought he was.
Not the best response from someone who considers themselves a role model
How selfish, perhaps someone should let him know that he can transmit the Virus to others. My vote is for all golfers on the tour who have not been vaccinated be required to wear a face mask when on the property, even while playing!!
crapola
Getting vaccinated does not keep you from transmitting the virus. It only prevents you from getting it or lessens the symptoms if you do. In fact, studies are showing that you’re more of a superspreader if you have had the vaccine than not. Also – he’s had it now. He has absolutely no need to get the vaccine. Please, get in your prius and make sure you have your mask on (even when you’re alone), and let people be free to make their own choices. Everyone’s had the chance to get the Fauci Ouchie so if they haven’t and get the virus, it’s on them and it’s none of your business. If you’ve taken the shot, why are you so worried about what others do?
Trust the science and the media , they aren’t funded by big pharma 🙄
Nice to see that Bryson is not afraid to go against the majority social confirmity and can think for himself. Most people these days are just sheep, taking orders from the Government without thinking about long term consequences or asking questions. Proud of you Bryson!
I think Bryson’s response shows he does NOT think about long term consequences nor that he cares very much about others.
Appalling and despicable behavior. He should be ashamed of himself and frankly banned from competition until he is vaccinated. What example does this give to those people who are nervous about the vaccine but don’t have his resources