• Ryder Cup

Johnson must reveal all, says McGinley

ESPN staff
August 1, 2014
Dustin Johnson: 'I will take the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health' © Getty Images
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European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says Dustin Johnson must come clean on his reasons for taking a break from the game.

Johnson, who finished in a tie for 12th at the Open Championship before withdrawing from this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, revealed he is to take a leave of absence from professional golf and will not take part at Gleneagles.

Johnson's statement in full

  • "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."
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But McGinley believes the 30-year-old's statement leaves more questions than answers and that it would lead to a "lot of speculation and rumours".

Commentating for Sky Sports, McGinley added: "Things will be said that are not true.

"It's much better for everyone if there is clarity. If something has gone wrong and he has been misbehaving, let's put it out on the table and get it dealt with and move forward."

McGinley's counterpart, Tom Watson, preferred to wish Johnson well.

"We will certainly miss Dustin Johnson at Gleneagles," the US captain said. "As one of the longest hitters in the game with an undefeated record of 3-and-0 at Medinah in 2012, he has clearly been an asset for the United States team."

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