AKRON, Ohio (AP) - Dustin Johnson is taking a leave of absence from golf to seek help for "personal challenges," a swift end to his season that will keep him from playing the PGA Championship, the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Ryder Cup.
In a statement Thursday from Hambric Sports Management, the 30-year-old Johnson said his leave of absence was effective immediately. It did not indicate how long he would be out, though agent David Winkle told the PGA of America that Johnson would not be at the PGA Championship next week or the Ryder Cup at the end of September.
"I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced," Johnson 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."
He asked for privacy "as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement."
Johnson, who tied for fourth in the U.S. Open and tied for 12th in the British Open, was No. 5 in the Ryder Cup standings and virtually certain to earn one of nine automatic spots when qualifying ends next week at the PGA Championship.
As long as he stays in the top nine, he will be replaced by the next player in the standings.
"We will certainly miss Dustin Johnson at Gleneagles, and we wish him the best," U.S. captain Tom Watson said.
Johnson was replaced in the PGA Championship by Jerry Kelly. Pat Perez is now the first alternate, and will get into the PGA if the Bridgestone Invitational winner is already eligible.
Johnson will not be replaced in the 125-man field at The Barclays when the FedEx Cup playoffs begin Aug. 21.
It's the second time in two years Johnson has missed a major under curious circumstances. He pulled out of the Masters in 2012, saying he tweaked his back while lifting a jet ski. He wound up missing three months, and won in his second tournament back.
Johnson last year got engaged to Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of NHL great Wayne Gretzky.