Dustin Johnson takes leave from tour
AKRON, Ohio -- Dustin Johnson, one of the top American players and a virtual lock to make the U.S. Ryder Cup team, is taking a leave of absence to 'seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced.'
Johnson, 29, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour who tied for 12th two weeks ago at the Open Championship, released a statement through his management company after having withdrawn from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational earlier this week.
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'I am taking a leave of absence form professional golf, effective immediately,' Johnson said. 'I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced. By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion.'
Johnson's agent, Davis Winkle, said neither he nor Johnson would have any further comment.
The PGA Tour said in a statement that it had nothing to add ' but we wish him well and look forward to his return to the PGA Tour in the future.'
Last year, Johnson was engaged to Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky. Earlier this year she appeared on the cover of Golf Digest.
Johnson is generally regarded as one of the most talented players in the game. His eight victories is more than any player under 30. He missed the cut last weekend at the Canadian Open and won't play in next week's PGA Championship.
This would also appear to take him out of the Ryder Cup at the end of September. If so, the players on the points list would move up a spot. Patrick Reed is currently 10th in the standings, with the top 9 after next week's PGA Championship automatically making the team. Captain Tom Watson has three at-large picks on Sept. 2.
Two years ago, Johnson missed significant time with a back injury, announcing it on the eve of the Masters. He did not play for three months from the WGC-Cadillac Championship until the Memorial Tournament.
Golf Writer, ESPN.com
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