On Thursday, Steve DiMeglio reported in USA Today that Dustin Johnson was taking a leave of absence from competition on the PGA Tour to seek professional help for challenges in his personal life.
Johnson’s management team released the following statement,
"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.”
As the day went on Golf.com reported that Johnson had tested positive for illegal drugs and was forced to serve a six-month suspension issued by the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour has a staunch “no comment” regarding any fines or disciplinary actions levied against tour members, but did issue a short statement concerning Johnson’s leave,
"We have nothing to add to Dustin's statement, but we wish him well and look forward to his return to the PGA Tour in the future."
Golf.com went on to add that this was not the first time Johnson has run afoul of the PGA Tour’s substance abuse policy. He tested positive for cocaine in 2012 and was suspended for 11 weeks. He did not play from the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March until the Memorial in late May, but said at the time, he was recuperating from a back injury.
It was further reported, this is the third positive test for Johnson conducted by the PGA Tour, he had previously tested positive for marijuana.
Total prize money on the PGA Tour in 2014 is over $330 million. Since joining the PGA Tour in 2008, Johnson has eight wins and earned over $24 million.
In addition to his on-course winnings, he also pockets over $4 million each year from endorsement contracts with, Adidas, Taylormade and Marquis Jets.
Johnson just turned 30 years old in June, has been one of the best players in the world for several years and is widely considered one of the best all-around athletes on the tour.
He also has a high-profile girlfriend, Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey-great Wayne Gretzky.
Young players coming on to the PGA Tour often learn their craft from watching successful veterans.
They may want to take a lesson from what is happening to Dustin Johnson and act accordingly.