Dustin Johnson takes leave of absence to ‘seek professional help for personal challenges’

Dustin Johnson, perhaps the most naturally talented and athletic golfer in the world, is taking a leave of absence from the sport to “seek professional help for personal challenges.” Johnson abruptly withdrew from this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron and was one of the only real world-class players not in a loaded field. He had missed the cut the prior week at the RBC Canadian Open, and would have undoubtedly been among the top 10 favorites for the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Johnson issued a statement on Thursday afternoon while his colleagues were out on the course at Firestone:

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.

The statement did not indicate how long DJ planned to step away from professional golf, or get into the reason why beyond just “personal challenges.” His manager texted Jason Sobel this week that Johnson was passing on the WGC event because of some “personal stuff.”

Johnson just turned 30 years old at the end of June, and already has eight career PGA Tour wins. He’s regularly in contention at the major championships, but has yet to get that signature major win. The consensus is that it’s just a matter of when and not if Johnson will win a major, given his talent and absurd length off the tee. The issue is obviously serious if he’s taking such a sudden leave just a week before a major championship.

Johnson is currently fourth in the FedExCup standings and a lock to make the Ryder Cup team via points qualification, where he’s currently fifth. If he does not play in the Ryder Cup, the next player down the points list, currently Patrick Reed, would get his spot. Update: Johnson has already told the PGA of America that he won’t be making the trip to Gleneagles.

While he may not be the most entertaining interview, DJ is one of the most exciting players on Tour and an immense talent. His absence is an unfortunate loss for golf and the Tour in what has already been an underwhelming year for the sport.