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Golfer Dustin Johnson has announced he’s taking a leave of absence, effective immediately, from the PGA tour to deal with “personal challenges I have faced.” Here’s his full statement:
“I am taking a leave of absence from professional golf, effective immediately. 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.
“I respectfully ask my fans, well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement.”
Many players learned of Johnson’s announcement as they completed their first round.
“Dustin and I are close; that’s tough to hear,” said Jason Dufner. “He’s had a pretty good season, so I hope he does what he needs to do to get back out here because that’s a huge talent. He’s the type of guy the Tour needs. He’s one of the ‘guys’ guys;’ guys love him out here.”
Losing Johnson from the Ryder Cup team will come as a blow to the American team when it faces Europe on Sept. 28-30 in Scotland.
“You always want guys with that kind of power to play on any team,” Tiger Woods said. “The firepower that he has, it’s pretty cool to be around. Not too often you see a guy carry the ball 320 without even trying. When he gets it going, it’s awfully impressive.”
His absence, however, will create an opening for another player to earn an automatic selection to the team as the player 10th in points now will earn a spot. Three additional players will be added to the team by captain Tom Watson.
Phil Mickelson, currently 11th in points, is in danger of not earning an automatic selection for the first time in his career. Without Johnson, he’s a bit more hopeful.
“I have not had to rely on a captain’s selection in two decades, and I’d like to keep that going,” Mickelson said. “And I definitely want to be in Scotland, a country I’ve played some good golf in the last couple years, and I always enjoy going back. It would be nice and beneficial if I were able to play my way onto the team by myself. And I feel like I’m starting to play well enough now to do it.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
