Tour News

Dustin Johnson out, Patrick Reed in for U.S. Olympic squad

Published

10 years ago

Jul 9, 2016

Dustin Johnson issued a statement Friday indicating that due to concerns over the Zika virus, he won’t be competing in the Olympics.

While DJ’s withdrawal is unfortunate, it does mean that the U.S. Olympic team got a whole lot more exciting as Captain America himself, Patrick Reed, slides onto the squad.

If you’re an American, or you’re merely looking for a good show, this is the best news that’s hit the wire amid the mass exodus that has been golf’s return to the Olympics.

Reed told reporters, in no uncertain terms, he’d love to compete for his country in the Olympics.

“Any time I can wear stars and stripes, I do it. I get the call tomorrow, I’ll be on the flight. It doesn’t matter to me on where it is, when it is. If I can play for my country, I’m going to go play.”

Nobody can doubt the 25-year-old Texan loves doing battle on the golf course for his country, as his crowd-shushing 3-0-1 performance at Gleneagles in the Ryder Cup two years ago made clear.

Since the U.S. side has (with Johnson out) four players inside the top 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking, all four will be teeing it up for the stars and stripes as part of the 60-man field in Rio: Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, and now, Patrick Reed.

And if you needed any more indication that Reed is excited, he was six-under par through six holes for his third round at the Scottish Open after learning he’d made the squad.

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

10 Comments

JOEL GOODMAN

Jul 11, 2016 at 6:34 pm

DOES ANYONE GIVE A TINKER’S DAM IF THERE IS AN OLYMPIC GOLF CONTEST?

Reply Report comment
ooffa

Jul 9, 2016 at 6:01 pm

In the words of Patrick Reed. I already had Zika, I had the best Zika in the world. I am the 5th best Zika survivor there ever was. Zika tried to beat me but I cheated Zika.

Reply Report comment
Smizz in my pants

Jul 9, 2016 at 11:06 am

Love watching reed. Hope he takes gold unlike these other drug using spoiled brats. What a disgrace to be like male
Pro basketball players. Overpaid and not grateful for the opportunity to represent their country. Can’t wait till they get Zika anyways as lots live in Florida and it will soon be there.

Reply Report comment
- Chris C.
  
  Jul 9, 2016 at 5:21 pm
  
  The 2016 Olympics has been succinctly characterized by the Brazilian security forces welcoming visitors to Brazil with signs stating “WELCOME TO HELL”. Those on the front lines at the 2016 Olympic debacle know the extant nature of the problems facing visitors and competitors. Paralympians visiting have already been assaulted. Sailors are contemplating the use use of hazmat suits or dry suits in order to compete on Rio’s bay. Simiarly, triathletes my have to search for a differant venue to complete the swimming portion of their event. No decision has been made. It will largely depend upon the success of the skimming devices brought in to skim off the fecal matter, body parts, and other medical waste. Brazilian authorities have already acknowledged that it will not be possible to provide for a safe sailing and open water venue. This is the same nation that has already indicated that they are not able adequately address the needs of the thousands of children being born with Zika related birth defects. I hope that Mr. Reed and his teammates win. I pray that they and their loved ones return home safely.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Smizz in my pants
    
    Jul 9, 2016 at 8:22 pm
    
    Your comment is just a bunch of rambling that doesn’t address anything I said. Thanks.
    
    Golfers are not sailing or swimming in water. They are millionaires so they can hire extra security. They are millionaires so
    They can take multiple precautions to not get bit/Zika. Stop apologizing for these people and try to use the couple neurons in your head to see what’s actually going on.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Arnold
      
      Jul 10, 2016 at 10:42 am
      
      I’m not sure if even a billion dollars could stop a mosquito that’s carrying the Zika virus from biting you… After all, golf is an outdoor sport.
      
      Reply Report comment
    - Chris C.
      
      Jul 11, 2016 at 12:25 pm
      
      Jordan Spieth has announced that he will not be risking his health.
      
      Reply Report comment
- Franky
  
  Jul 9, 2016 at 8:24 pm
  
  Yes. Would love to see how many people drop out of the masters if there was a Zika concern. Give me a break.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dr Troy

Jul 9, 2016 at 10:30 am

My money is on Olympic golf being yanked after 2020….

Reply Report comment
- Rich
  
  Jul 11, 2016 at 9:15 am
  
  Agreed
  
  Reply Report comment

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