Tour News

Dustin Johnson takes leave of absence from competitive golf

Published

10 years ago

Jul 31, 2014

Dustin Johnson announced Thursday that he will take a leave of absence from professional golf to seek professional help for “personal challenges.”

The eight-time PGA Tour winner, who also withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Monday citing personal reasons, said in the statement that he will commit “the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation.”

Johnson, 30, is the one of America’s most talented young golfers, finishing T4 at this year’s U.S. Open and 12th at The Open Championship two weeks ago. He will not participate in this year’s PGA Championship, however, and he will not play in the Ryder Cup if he were to qualify.

Johnson is currently ranked No. 5 in the Ryder Cup points list, and if he remains in the top-9 after this week’s tournament, his spot in the event will be given to the No. 10-ranked player on the list. As it stands, Patrick Reed would currently earn the last spot on the U.S.’s 2014 Ryder Cup squad.

This is the second time in his career that Johnson will miss a major championship due to uncertainty about his health. He took an 11-week hiatus from professional two years ago that caused him to miss the 2012 Masters, citing a back injury that occurred while he was lifting jet ski. It was rumored that Johnson had failed a PGA Tour-administered drug test and that he was in drug rehabilitation, but those rumors were denied by his agent, David Winkle, to the New York Times.

Johnson’s statement included no time table for a return to the game.

“I respectfully ask my fans, well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement,” he said.

Johnson made headlines earlier this year when he became engaged to Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of NHL Hall of Fame hockey player Wayne Gretzky, and the two have been a steady presence in golf news ever since.

The last publicly shared photo of the two, which shows Johnson caddying for his fiance, was posted to Paulina’s instagram account on Monday after Johnson withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. It has since been removed.

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77 Comments

Christosterone

Aug 1, 2014 at 3:38 pm

Will Mackenzie is probably the only person happy about this news.
It sucks to see so much potential evaporate under a cloud of powdery dust.

Reply Report comment
KK

Aug 1, 2014 at 3:37 pm

I guess what DJ does is really none of our business. Unless, of course, you or people you knew were innocent victims of the cocaine trade. Then, you’d want justice and jail time for DJ.

Reply Report comment
Emily

Aug 1, 2014 at 3:08 pm

I would argue that it IS our business, at least for the shareholders of companies who sponsor him. But I can’t argue with the fact that his sponsors had to know what they were getting with him.

3 prior failed drug tests
-2009 for marijuana
-2012 for cocaine
-2014 for cocaine

+2009 arrest for DUI

The guy has problems and needs to address them pronto. I hope he gets better, but I can’t feel sorry for guys who have everything and throw it all away.

Reply Report comment
Gogol

Aug 1, 2014 at 2:16 pm

Golf.com says positive test for cocaine in 2012 and now 2014. Also had a positive weed test in there too. Hope he gets better man.

Reply Report comment
Ponjo

Aug 1, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Guys like DJ make me piss. Have a god given talent and all the riches you couldn’t spend in numerous lifetimes. Never enough. Try doing some proper graft with very little reward and see how that fits. May sound harsh but very very true

Reply Report comment
AZ Golfman

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm

He better get his act together. This is all he has. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Reply Report comment
- KJ
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 1:24 pm
  
  Toughest drug to resist. If you have the money it doubles the problem. He’s doing the right thing. its not a one month re hab job.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - deucedeuce
    
    Aug 1, 2014 at 2:32 pm
    
    Definitely not true. Not even close to getting clean off heroin. Completely different ballgame.
    
    Reply Report comment
Davie Crockett

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:28 pm

What about the rumor surrounding him being tied to a gangland murder?

Reply Report comment
Todd

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:27 pm

Whatever his deal is, if his excuse is “Paulina made me do it,” I’m ok with that.

Reply Report comment
Goal!!!!

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:08 pm

I wouldn’t call this a “leave”, more like a failed drug test. There can be some truth to rumors. And the fact that DJ has been rumored to like blow and weed there is probably some truth to that. How bad is his problem? Who knows? Cocaine leaves your system in about 72 hours. So if he was suspended for blow he probably has a pretty serious problem and uses it frequently or just got unlucky.

Also when you look at his choice for a partner it should raise some red flags. I live in LA and am the same age as she is. Been to the same spots she used to hang out at. Let’s just say she doesn’t have the best reputation around Los Angeles. Remember Dustin has already been busted for DUI back in the day. So put these two together and you have a recipe for disaster. It’s a shame though because he is throwing it all away.

Reply Report comment
- riosvt
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 3:23 pm
  
  Actually, they could have been administering a hair test which would show it for a few months after the fact. I say, could, because I have no idea the PGA tour’s drug policy and the fact he has been cited twice already which means they may have stricter rules. But yea, if it was only a pee test, then he is either an idiot (not far fetched) or an addict. Either way, shaking my head.
  
  Reply Report comment
Kirk

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:08 pm

It’s amazing how much sympathy a under achieving, talent wasting, coke head can garner for his illegal activities vs. the unreasonable attacks given to our over achieving, most talented golf nerd to walk the planet gets for cheating on his wife (which, we know at least 50% of American men do).

Oh, wait, there’s a racial difference. Never mind.

Reply Report comment
Justin

Aug 1, 2014 at 10:43 am

At least TW admitted his transgressions. DJ left it open for speculation.

Reply Report comment
- Hank
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 11:28 am
  
  Because coming out with your problems and having most your sponsors drop you is such a good idea!
  
  Reply Report comment
- deucedeuce
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 2:35 pm
  
  Admitted? He was forced….
  
  Reply Report comment
steve

Aug 1, 2014 at 10:06 am

How come Paulina didnt reference how blow keeps her skinny in the golf digest issue. I mean you have to let us know how you do it Paulina. Golf Digest took alot of heat putting her on the cover, since she isnt a golfer. But now we get rolling dollars in a vegas bathroom gets you on the cover. Great call Golf Digest

Reply Report comment
Johnny Thunders

Aug 1, 2014 at 8:04 am

Whatever his problem, or their problem is, none of our business.

But I totaly respect someone that realizes there is a serious issue in their life, steps up and does something about it.

The pressure that sdocial media and regular media puts on a person when they do something like that has got to be intense.

The comments above are a sad commentary on what I’m talking about.

My best wishes DJ and Pauline, get better, stay together and you’ll both get thu this ok.

Reply Report comment
- Just Mike
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 12:34 pm
  
  I am amazed at some of the comments here, even if it is drugs (not saying it is) at least he has the courage to realize he needs help and is taking the steps he needs to take to help himself.
  
  As golf fans maybe we should be supporting him and not ripping him the way a number of these comments are.
  
  Reply Report comment
Todd Turner

Aug 1, 2014 at 5:14 am

None of my bizzzzz

Reply Report comment
Jake Anderson

Aug 1, 2014 at 4:43 am

I do not think that Dustin Johnson uses drugs. If there are rumors about drug abuse, which I do not believe, then I would consider these rumors false.

Reply Report comment
- JMM
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 9:57 am
  
  A good friend of mine, that does not mince words, saw him and Paulina ripping coke in Vegas – so wouldn’t count that out.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jake Anderson
    
    Aug 1, 2014 at 10:47 am
    
    If you think this is true, then good for you. I don’t agree with that opinion.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Pretty obvi
      
      Aug 1, 2014 at 11:00 am
      
      You know when you get rumors like this from everywhere, there comes a point it’s not just a rumor. Especially when it comes to dj and bud/coke. Kinda like daly with a vodka diet coke and cig….
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Jake Anderson
        
        Aug 2, 2014 at 5:44 am
        
        I think that people need to look at the facts and then make up their own mind. I do not think that DJ used illegal drugs.
        
        Reply Report comment
- W
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 3:20 pm
  
  Well, all I can suggest is that you not go to golf.com
  
  Reply Report comment
RG

Aug 1, 2014 at 4:32 am

Nostricaneus

Reply Report comment
tlmck

Aug 1, 2014 at 3:09 am

Some children just take longer to grow up. Others never do.

Reply Report comment
- adam
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 7:24 am
  
  He’s 30. Pretty sure he’s more grown up than you are bud. PGA tour pro vs some random dude. This is not about growing up. Top athletes of any sport do not take leaves during the peak time in the season for “growing up.” Good luck DJ.
  
  Reply Report comment
Luke

Aug 1, 2014 at 1:46 am

Remember he was arrested not to long ago for DUI and the prosecutor let him walk on a reckless driving charge instead. He also was pardoned from a more severe stunt when he was a kid. Either way, I hope he receives the hope and strength he needs to become at peace. Lots of people wanting your attention, money, time, etc some good some bad hopefully he realizes the good ones and surrounds himself with them.

Reply Report comment
Charlie

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:43 am

Riding that train

Reply Report comment
- Puddin
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 7:48 am
  
  Ditto!
  
  Reply Report comment
Ballstriker

Aug 1, 2014 at 12:32 am

All I ask is “Eldrick Woods” type black belt, nonstop, paparazzi pics from the rehab parking lot

style coverage all day everyday! I want Golf Channel gavel to gavel, including speculation,

rumors, Enquirer, Globe, and Star grocery rag updates on a weekly basis!! Think Lindsay Lo

Pannies, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Anniston, and whatever pop culture skallywag the media selectively

rams down our throats on a weekly basis. I want to be kept apprised of his daily progress with

this unfortunate struggle he has found himself in. Hopefully he won’t make his Mom sit in the

front row at his next presser.

Reply Report comment
- W
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 3:19 pm
  
  He is not popular enough to justify that type of coverage.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Ballstriker
    
    Aug 2, 2014 at 4:02 am
    
    @W Well, based on todays weak coverage of this matter on Golf Channel, you would be absolutely
    correct. Apparently he does not warrant the coverage. I’m sure this has been addressed, but how long before Taylormade abandons him, and when will the bigger than life murals of him be taken down in just about every hitting bay in most golf shops across the country? I absolutely love the protection the good ‘ol boy network has provided him. 3 time drug loser, home wrecker, drunk driver, contributor to murder and mayhem, let’s see what else. Wonder if he’d get the same sympathy vibe from those out there if he was……let’s say…….LeBron James? I’m thinking no. You get my point.
    
    Reply Report comment
The inside source

Jul 31, 2014 at 11:07 pm

DJ and his booger sugar..

Reply Report comment
Timmy

Jul 31, 2014 at 10:51 pm

Thought everybody kind of knew he smoked. Probably a little nose candy to. If I were DJ I would have posters of JD all over the place in the house. That’s the definition of wasted talent. If that’s not inspiration to get better, I don’t know what is.

Reply Report comment
- steve
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 10:02 am
  
  I think DJ would take two majors at this point
  
  Reply Report comment
JDMHo

Jul 31, 2014 at 10:48 pm

C’mon guys give DJ a break. He’s a great golfer and a human who needs some time to get his head straight from whatever. I DON’T think it’s drugs- dudes a PRO and I’m sure he can handle herb and the nose candy. Personal relationship stuff most likely.

Reply Report comment
- RG
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 4:28 am
  
  If he could handle it we wouldn’t be talking about it.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Goal!!!!
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 12:12 pm
  
  No, its drugs. This wasn’t a leave of absence. This was a suspension for a failed drug test. I don’t think it was for weed. Coke is something you can handle in the beginning but the longer you use it the more out of control your problem gets. Weed on the hand isn’t like that.
  
  Reply Report comment
dc

Jul 31, 2014 at 10:09 pm

I am disappointed at some of the comments here, pretty insensitive. I applaud him for tackling his issues head on, and wish him a speedy recovery. He could be a real force in the game if he can get himself straightened out, which hopefully happens. I wish him well.

Reply Report comment
Keith

Jul 31, 2014 at 10:09 pm

depending on how long he is out, he’s going to miss out on at least 4-6 different iterations of TaylorMade equipment. If my math is right, he’ll be 3 drivers out of date for every 6 months he is gone.

just kidding, God Bless DJ. Seek first His kingdom and all things will be added unto you! If you chase heaven, you also gain contentment on earth. If you just chase happiness on earth, you get neither. (paraphrasing from Tim Keller “The Reason for God”)

Reply Report comment
- Bollocks
  
  Jul 31, 2014 at 11:13 pm
  
  Bollocks, dont assume that Sky Daddy is the answer for everyone. Some of us do have the intellectual capacity to understand the difference between fact and fiction.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - MattSihv
    
    Jul 31, 2014 at 11:48 pm
    
    Intellignece? The “Big Bang” goes against science in that “chaos can never produce order.” Some miracle gases (not sure where they came from) exploded a billion million years ago and created life. Then, this single cell “evolved” into everything we have today. You are not intelligent, just pompous. Don’t belittle someone due to your own misguided assumptions.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Xreb
      
      Aug 1, 2014 at 9:28 am
      
      May things in science are contradictory. You don’t get to cherry pick what you get to accept in science just because it conflicts with your religion. With that said I believe in the existence of a higher power.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - MattSihv
        
        Aug 1, 2014 at 11:02 pm
        
        I am not cherry picking, just proving a point. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I, however, believe that scientific research involves the study of a hypothesis over a set period of time. When enough results line up, a “theory” can be derived from those results. Only when that scientific hypothesis/theory can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt can it become a law (fact).
        
        The Big Bang Theory is not science any more than Creationism is science. It was never studied and proven. Rather, it is just as much hypothesis as Christianity. Both involve blind belief. I’ll keep mine, and “Bollocks” can keep his “intellectual capacity.”
        
        Reply Report comment
  - Christosterone
    
    Aug 1, 2014 at 12:04 am
    
    The hubris of blanketing an entire dogma as “fiction” is obtuse at best.
    Arrogant pronouncements of “intellectual” capacities are why many of us hedge to identify with your ilk.
    In short, yours is simply a religion of a different ethos and also one i cannot stand…albeit your god is a lack of god which, to me, suffers from the same short sidedness of those you loath.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Keith
    
    Aug 1, 2014 at 12:48 am
    
    Everything created by man on earth is created with a purpose, yet you cite superior intelligence as the reason for disbelief in God which equates to no purpose of life, even more so, no purpose in human life?
    
    I would argue it takes more faith to believe there is no purpose than to believe in an infinite being. Just because we cannot comprehend His nature does not mean we cannot comprehend His truths. After all true is true whether you believe it or not
    
    I would love to be able to simply write what it takes to have faith in the invisible but ultimately it is no easy thing to do. You are right to question it. But I think deep down everyone knows life is to prescious for no purpose and His creation too beautiful to be created with no intent. All of creation speaks to His might and much more so to His presence. Last but not least, we may wonder why he is not more visible but His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. What I do know is His son, who knew no sin, came to be sin to save us from the least and the greatest of our sins through faith in Christ.
    
    Romans 10:9
    9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
    
    The nice thing is His truths are written in scripture for us to be able to gain understanding in Him. I think John, 4th book of the New Testament, is a great place to get to know Him.
    
    I think this article on DJ is a easy way to see you can have everything and nothing at the same time. True contentment & peace comes in knowing God & His love to us through Christ … that is our joy and the only identity that can overcome addiction, fear, anxiety, etc
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Hieronymus
      
      Aug 1, 2014 at 11:04 am
      
      Oh Christ, I can’t get away from these stargazers, even on a golf site….
      
      Reply Report comment
- RG
  
  Aug 1, 2014 at 4:19 am
  
  Awesome. SLDR Stage 6
  
  Reply Report comment
Fred

Jul 31, 2014 at 10:06 pm

All the speculation here is disgusting. Only one person knows the full story about what is causing Dustin Johnson to take this unfortunate absence. Fortunately for you all, that person is me. Dustin Johnson contracted space mumps from getting pegged by a sexy martian he met on a secret moon trip with Elon Musk. Let’s all stop being so judgmental and have some tact and compassion: Space mumps are the *worst.*

Reply Report comment
MAtt

Jul 31, 2014 at 9:59 pm

Who cares..another high profile athlete that has problems just like everybody else..we all see buddy on tv sinking putts and bombing drives down the fairway we see the guy as dustin johnson the famous golfer who nails a hot skinny blonde and not dusty the person who has problems like everyone else..this guy has won 8 times on tour and hes 30…he’s won the lottery 8 times..some booze and drugs comes with the territory when you celebrate with da boys..scared go to church dustin.

Reply Report comment
- Win
  
  Jul 31, 2014 at 10:30 pm
  
  Wow some harsh comment there.
  
  Reply Report comment
Tokyo joe

Jul 31, 2014 at 9:10 pm

I hear ya bro! My putting is lights out after a few rips.

Reply Report comment
MenloCardinal

Jul 31, 2014 at 8:49 pm

This has to be more than just weed and a little coke. Heck, my lowest rounds are all when the boys are back in town and we share few bumps and a jay or two.

Reply Report comment
- michael
  
  Jul 31, 2014 at 9:02 pm
  
  you’re cool.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dan

Jul 31, 2014 at 8:35 pm

Good for him to address his problem. It take guts.

Reply Report comment
melrosegod

Jul 31, 2014 at 8:16 pm

Some of these comments are sooo petty. People seem to want to be the first to say they knew the problem (must be booger sugar bro). Let the man take care of his business. If you knew him or his problems you wouldn’t be speculating.

Reply Report comment
tyro

Jul 31, 2014 at 8:00 pm

I wish him the best in all that he does, both on and off the course. We’ve all had hard times in our lives, but I know it would be exponentially more challenging to overcome personal issues while living in the public eye.

Reply Report comment
Bill

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:57 pm

He need to get away from that skank…she is nothing but trouble with a capital “G”…dirty leg to boot…

Reply Report comment
Cwolf

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:51 pm

Hope to see him get back on track. He is way too talented to waste it.

Reply Report comment
pgadt

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:50 pm

A drink in the right hand…..smokin something in the left hand?

Reply Report comment
- Carlos Danger
  
  Jul 31, 2014 at 8:36 pm
  
  Thats how I play golf
  
  Reply Report comment
pgadt

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:49 pm

Judging from the photo…..a drink in one hand….smoking something in his left hand.

Reply Report comment
Jaxson

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:29 pm

Can only hope he doesn’t end up going wherever Anthony Kim went.

Reply Report comment
Jeff B

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:29 pm

I heard he LOVES blow. Poor guy, he’s got great talent.

Best of luck to him in rehab

Reply Report comment
thefullsp

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:20 pm

C’mon guys… He’s an awesome talent. Let’s just wish him well. It’s a shame we won’t see him in the Ryder Cup. Whatever’s up Dustin, kick it and get well soon.

Reply Report comment
Joseph

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:09 pm

Sounds an awful lot like a substance abuse issue.

The kid has talent, but something has been holding him back.

Maybe this is what he needs to figure it out……good luck to him.

Reply Report comment
Bill

Jul 31, 2014 at 7:04 pm

Got some buddies who know him. Guess he loves himself some nose candy

Reply Report comment
Mike

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Heard the jet ski thing was a cover up for a cocaine issue.

Reply Report comment
James

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:56 pm

Good for him. Wish him the best as he works on improving himself.

Reply Report comment
db

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:43 pm

Got a feeling this isn’t just weed…

Reply Report comment
Rich

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:36 pm

Just speculation but I get the feeling Paulina broke up with him and it could be the weed. Interesting how people are different if in fact she has. Dustin takes time off and Rory goes out and wins the BMW PGA after breaking up with his fiancé. Does it make that much difference if you’re the dumber or the dumpee after being engaged?

Reply Report comment
Jeff

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:35 pm

Sniff sniff sniff

Reply Report comment
Joe

Jul 31, 2014 at 6:27 pm

Dustin Johnson smokes weed.. What else is new?

Reply Report comment
- Duffner
  
  Aug 2, 2014 at 1:05 am
  
  He’s a drug attack, why are people defending him. He’s a fantastic golfer but a drug attic. He’s had these issues for years everyone on tour knows about it and he’s hooked up with other players wife’s at least two I know of who are also party’ers
  
  Reply Report comment

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