One year ago, Dustin Johnson became perhaps the luckiest man in golf as he became engaged to Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky. Throughout the course of their relationship, however, Johnson’s personal and professional lives have been filled with drama. According to reports, Johnson has failed three drug tests since 2009 – one for marijuana and two for cocaine. In 2012, Johnson allegedly served a suspension from the PGA due to testing positive for cocaine, although the suspension was unannounced.
Last week, things only got worse at drug speculation once again surrounded Johnson as he announced a decision to go on an indefinite leave of absence from the PGA:
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. I respectfully ask my fans, well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement.
The PGA did its best to stop the drug rumors from getting out of hand by releasing a statement absolving Johnson of any wrongs: “With regard to media reports that Dustin Johnson has been suspended by the PGA Tour, this is to clarify that Mr. Johnson has taken a voluntary leave of absence and is not under a suspension from the PGA Tour.”
While Johnson may not be in any trouble with the PGA, he has apparently found himself on thin ice with “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky, however.
A source has reported to Fox 411 that Gretzky has informed Johnson that if he doesn’t clean-up his act, the wedding to his daughter is officially off.
The pair was originally scheduled to get married in the fall of this year but decided to postpone the wedding due to Johnson’s busy schedule. Perhaps this leave of absence is a chance for Johnson to fix his relationship with Paulina and Wayne?
If so, it’s off to a great start. Reports on Wednesday located Johnson in Northern Idaho at a golf resort with Paulina and her family: “Most thought [the announcement] was a hint that he was going to a treatment center. Instead, he’s been up in Northern Idaho at Gozzer Ranch [Golf and Lake Club], hanging out with the Gretzky family, caddying for Paulina in the club’s ladies’ member-guest, and playing a lot of golf, playing almost every day,” reported Golf Channel Insider Tim Rosaforte.
It’s nice to see that Johnson has his priorities in order.
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