World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tests positive for COVID-19, withdraws from CJ Cup

Published October 14, 2020 3:49am

Dustin Johnson hits from the third tee during a practice round for the 2020 US Open golf tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club - West in Mamaroneck, New York on Sept. 14, 2020. Johnson was named PGA Tour Player of the Year. File photo

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and has withdrawn from this week's CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, the PGA Tour announced Tuesday.

Johnson notified the Tour after experiencing symptoms. A subsequent test came back positive.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed," Johnson, 36, said. "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."

Johnson (+850 by DraftKings) was the betting favorite ahead of Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas after taking a break following a T6 at the US Open and his two wins and two runner-up finishes to close out last season. He won the 2020 FedEx Cup.

First alternate J.T. Poston will replace Johnson in the field at the CJ Cup, the second consecutive event to be held in Las Vegas.

The past three CJ Cups have been held on Jeju Island in South Korea, but the event was moved this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. -- Field Level Media/Reuters

Tags: dustinjohnson, pga, golf, covid-19