World’s top-ranked golfer Dustin Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

The top-ranked golfer in the world, Dustin Johnson, has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing symptoms, according to the PGA Tour. 

Johnson, 36, has dropped out of this weekend’s CJ Cup event outside of Las Vegas as he begins the quarantine process.

“Obviously, I am very disappointed,” he said in a Tuesday statement. “I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible. I have already had a few calls with the TOUR’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me.”

PGA TOUR Statement on Dustin Johnson pic.twitter.com/8WkPHUwpEo

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) October 13, 2020

Johnson is currently the favorite for golf’s most prestigious event, The Masters in Augusta, Ga., which is set to tee off on Nov. 12. He tied for second at the tournament last year. 

Professional golf has seen a relatively low number of coronavirus cases since the tour returned in June. No events have been forced to postpone, which has not been the case in Major League Baseball and the National Football League, which have see outbreaks among several teams.

The NBA and NHL just completed their seasons in “bubble” environments, with neither league reporting any COVID-19 cases.