Dustin Johnson’s leave of absence stuns potential Ryder Cup teammates

Dustin Johnson’s sudden leave of absence from golf — and September’s U.S. Ryder Cup squad in particular — was shocking to would-be teammate Tiger Woods.

“It comes as a shock,” said Woods, who learned, after shooting a 2-under 68 in the first round at Firestone, about Johnson’s announcement on Thursday that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence to deal with “personal challenges.”

Woods, the defending champion at this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational who is fighting for his own spot on captain Tom Watson’s team following two weak post-back surgery PGA Tour starts, was stunned to hear the news about the big-hitting DJ.

“His power, you always want guys with that kind of power to play on any team,” said Woods, who partnered with Johnson in the Presidents Cup in Australia and is no stranger to “personal challenges” of his own. He noted that the gathered reporters were likely to know more about the situation than the players.

“The firepower that he has, it’s pretty cool to be around. It’s not too often you see the guy carry the ball 320 (yards) without even trying,” said Woods, who earlier in his storied career was one of the longest ball-strikers on tour, so it takes some long-ball launching to get his attention. “And then when he steps on it, he can hit it even further. When he gets it going, it’s awfully impressive.”

Johnson, who withdrew earlier in the week from the Bridgestone event, said in a statement from his Hambric Sports Management agent that his sudden and mysterious leave was effective immediately.

“I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced,” he said. “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, whose news spread fast among players finishing their opening rounds of the final tuneup before next week’s PGA Championship, asked for privacy for his “mission of self-improvement.”

Woods was not the only potential Ryder Cupper to react with extreme surprise to the huge void DJ’s no-show would leave.

Photo credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

“He’s definitely a guy you want on the team. He’s a powerful, powerful guy,” said Rickie Fowler, who was as blown away as Woods to hear about the situation even though he counts Johnson as one of his best friends. “He’s someone that guys don’t look past as far as one of the best players out here. So definitely a loss to the team, but just hope for the best for him. It won’t be the last Ryder Cup for him.”

Fowler could shed no light on the reasons for DJ’s announcement, though mere speculation from afar involves everything from a breakup with his fiance and Golf Digest cover girl Paulina Gretzky, to issues with alcohol, to a possible suspension from the tour for violating the anti-doping policy.

“I’m just hoping for all the best for him,” said Fowler. “I haven’t been in touch with him. So hopefully, he can get everything straightened out. We’ll miss him out here but hopefully get him back soon.”

Another surprised golfer who’s often erroneously called Dustin by fans, though his drives are not usually mistaken for that of the other guy with the same last name, was Zach Johnson. While Zach characterized his relationship with DJ as not particularly tight and “a mild friendship,” he said missing Johnson’s big bat at Gleneagles “stinks.

“It really, really stinks,” ZJ said. “When he’s playing good, he’s got the game that it frankly doesn’t matter what kind of golf course it is, he can do well.”

While DJ’s ability to “overpower courses” can intimidate opponents, Zach Johnson observed that the big bomber also has a killer short game.

“He is just ultra-talented,” Johnson said. “I mean, it stinks … I want him on the team … He’s fun in the locker room. It just really stinks.”

Watson weighed in on Johnson’s withdrawal as well.

Dustin Johnson, as of Thursday night, was still listed as No. 5 among the nine players who will automatically earn berths on the 2014 U.S. team. With the other Johnson taking himself out of the running, Zach moves from No. 9 to the eighth position, with Patrick Reed pulling up the rear in ninth.