Bryson DeChambeau doesn’t regret his decision against getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
DeChambeau, 27, also said Wednesday he lost “eight to 10 pounds” after being diagnosed with COVID-19 on July 23. That positive test kept him from competing on the U.S. men’s golf team in the Tokyo Olympics, but he has been cleared to play this week at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in Memphis, Tenn.
“The vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent it from happening,” DeChambeau said. “I’m young enough, I’d rather give it (the vaccine) to people who need it. I don’t need it. I’m a healthy, young individual that will continue to work on my health.
“I don’t think taking the vaccine away from someone who needs it is a good thing. My dad is a perfect example. He got it (the vaccine) early on because he’s a diabetic. People like that need to get it. My mom got it. I don’t want to take away that ability.
“Now as time goes on, if it (the vaccine) is mainstream, really, really mainstream, then yeah.”
DeChambeau admitted he experienced symptoms such as congestion and fatigue a few days after his initial positive test. He said he felt better over this past weekend and has played nine holes each of the past two days heading into the Memphis tournament.
“I’m not really expecting much,” DeChambeau said. “I’m just going out and trying to get through a whole week and feel comfortable and then do it again and get my golf swing in a place where I’m comfortable. So maybe some lower expectations this week.”
DeChambeau is ranked seventh in the world. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year for his eighth career PGA Tour victory. His only major title came at the 2020 U.S. Open.
–Field Level Media