In what came as a bit of a surprise, Dustin Johnson withdrew from the Bridgestone Invitational Golf Tournament earlier this week.
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Johnson has developed into one of the best players on the PGA Tour and is fresh off of another solid showing. Johnson played well at The Open Championship just two weeks ago. He was -9, tied for third entering the final day at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, but shot even par on the final day, allowing several players to move ahead of him. He shot a 279 (-9) for the week, finishing in a tie for 12th, eight strokes behind champion Rory McIlroy.
Many thought Johnson would build on his success but instead he is taking a leave of absence from all professional golf to “seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced.”
Jason Sobel of the Golf Channel has the scoop.
Breaking news from Dustin Johnson: "I am taking a leave of absence from professional golf, effective immediately."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 31, 2014
More from Dustin Johnson: "I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 31, 2014
Statement from Dustin Johnson doesn't get into specifics, nor does it hint at how long his leave of absence will be.
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 31, 2014
After his withdrawal from this week's event, Dustin Johnson's manager texted me with this vague explanation: "Just some personal stuff."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 31, 2014
Johnson has won 10 career tournaments, including eight on the PGA Tour. He is currently the 16th-ranked player in the world.