Dustin Johnson Set To Return To The PGA Tour

By ANTHONY SCHIFANO

With the 2015 PGA Tour season underway, Dustin Johnson is getting set to make his return.

The eight-time PGA Tour winner took a leave of absence in July of 2014 because of “personal challenges.”  It was later revealed by the PGA Tour that the reason for his leave was he reportedly tested positive for cocaine for the third time.

However, the PGA Tour, released a statement saying that DJ decided to take a leave on his own, and that he was not suspended by the Tour.

“With regard to media reports that Dustin Johnson has been 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,” the statement read.

Golf.com reported that Johnson tested positive back in 2009 for the use of marijuana and in 2012 and 2014 for the use of cocaine.  It was shortly afterward that Johnson’s 2014 season, one of his best, came to an abrupt end. He announced he was taking leave of absence on July 31, vowing to address “personal challenges” after he tested positive on the Tour’s drug test.

Golf fans all around know the talent Johnson has and look forward to his return.

“He definitely has had problems in the past where he has taken time away from the game.  The first couple of times he kept it quiet but this time it was made a little more public,” Bryan Romagnoli, 24 of Waldwick, NJ said, aspiring PGA Professional.  “I think that’s because he is one of the stars on tour now, where in the beginning of his career he wasn’t as big.”

Regardless of his sixth month hiatus, Johnson earned over $425 million dollars in just 17 starts and has managed to remain in the top 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings.  Proving that he is one of the best American golfers in the game today.

Johnson, 30, has long flirted with the title of America’s Best Young Player.  He led by three shots going into the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach but blew up to a final-round 82. He lost the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits later that summer when he mistakenly grounded his club in a bunker. Johnson contended again at the British Open last July, but couldn’t keep up with Rory McIlroy.

In 2013 Johnson started dating hockey legend Wayne Gretzky’s daughter Paulina Gretzky and in 2014 announced that they were going to have their first child.

On Jan. 21, the couple announced that they had a baby boy.  Johnson released a statement on his Instagram page stating:

“Paulina and I are happy to announce the arrival of our baby boy, who was born in Los Angeles on Monday morning.  Both Paulina and the baby are healthy, resting comfortably and in great spirits! We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received and plan to release further details in the coming days!”

Johnson is one small step away from becoming an elite golfer who is among the tops of the leader boards each week.  He is set to return to the PGA Tour this week, at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA.