Dustin Johnson takes leave of absence from golf

Dustin Johnson is taking a leave of absence from golf. In a statement Thursday, the 30-year-old Johnson said the break is “necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation,” and effective immediately. “I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced,” Johnson said. Agent David Winkle said Johnson would not be at the PGA Championship next week or the Ryder Cup. 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. “We will certainly miss Dustin Johnson at Gleneagles, and we wish him the best,” U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson said. “With an undefeated record of 3-0 at Medinah in 2012, he has clearly been an asset for the United States team.” – AP