In a statement released through his management company, via USA Today, the 30-year-old pro offered no specific details on the issues, but stated that he will miss the PGA Championship held next week at Valhalla Golf Club and could potentially miss the Ryder Cup.
Johnson currently sits in fifth place in the Ryder Cup standings, in line to receive one of the nine spots.
“I respectfully ask my fans, well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement.”
Johnson has been involved in a high-profile relationship with Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of NHL legend Wayne, for the last two years and the couple announced their engagement last August.
Paulina posted the following photo to Instagram on Monday with the caption “Best Caddie Ever,” but deleted the photo between Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, at which time Johnson announced his leave of absence.
(Photo via TheBigLead.com)
While Gretzky could certainly have something to do with the absence, some suggest that his leave could deal with drug use.
Johnson was singled out last season by Vijay Singh during a lawsuit against the PGA Tour for a suspension for violating the Tour’s drug program. Singh claimed that he went punished while several golfers were simply told to not do it again.
The PGA Tour issued a statement Thursday wishing Johnson the best of luck during his absence.
