Mystery surrounds the absence of Dustin Johnson from this week’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and possibly also from next week’s PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
The PGA Tour has cited ‘personal reasons’ for the absence of the current World No. 16.
Less than a fortnight ago Johnson spoke of his excitement about the prospect of challenging for a first major championship victory heading to the weekend after storming into contention at the Open Championship.
Johnson had muscled his way into second place on eight under at Royal Liverpool, four strokes behind leader Rory McIlroy, after shooting a superb second-round 65 and with the 30-year-old to play alongside McIlroy in the final pairing on the third day at Hoylake.
Dustin Johnson gets a kiss from his future wife, Paulina Gretzsky on the occasion of his recent 30th birthday.
“I am always excited to be in the mix,” he said.
“I had a lot of fun out there and tried to stay relaxed. I am swinging really well and felt comfortable over the golf ball. I am looking forward to it.
“I’m glad I’m in the last group and playing with Rory – but I’ve got to go out and play my game. I can’t worry about what he is doing. I’ll just go out there and try to shoot a good number.”
Johnson eventually finished in a share of 12th place behind McIlroy and then a week ago the Columbia, South Carolina-born golfer spoke of his excitement in being in Montreal for the RBC Canadian Open.
He tweeted the following:-
Great being back in Canada for the @RBCCanadianOpen this week!! Always appreciated the support I receive from some of golf’s best fans! #RBC
However Johnson missed the halfway cut despite posting a second round 68 and now has withdrawn from one of the biggest events of the year outside of the four Majors this week in Ohio.
More than two years ago at the 2012 Masters Johnson was a shock withdrawal but then citing a ‘tweaked back’.
His withdrawal this week means the Bridgestone can longer boast the entire top-50 in the World Rankings, and in what would have been a first since the 2012 PGA Championship.
And with the PGA of America as well boasting next week’s PGA Championship will feature all 100 players currently inside the top-100 then that statistic will no longer be valid should Johnson not compete in Louisville.
