London:
Dustin Johnson, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour, has announced that he is taking a break from golf and will not be playing in September's Ryder Cup.
According to the BBC, Johnson hopes the break will improve his "mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation".
Johnson will not play the US PGA Championship at Valhalla (external) and will also miss the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
He said that he use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges he is facing.
He said that he was confident that he would be better equipped to fulfill his potential and become a consistent champion once he overcame his personal challenges.
Johnson, 30, was the only unbeaten United States player when Europe triumphed at Medinah two years ago.
Johnson, who finished 12th at this summer's Open at Royal Liverpool , will take his leave of absence with immediate effect, the report said.
