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The US PGA Tour said golfer Dustin Johnson's leave of absence was voluntary, and not a suspension by the tour for a failed drug test.
"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," a statement said.
The tour's comments came after Golf.com reported that Johnson, who announced on Thursday he was ending his season for personal reasons, had been banned after testing positive for cocaine.
The website, citing an unnamed source, said Johnson has failed three drug tests, one for marijuana in 2009 and two for cocaine in 2012 and this year.
The report said Johnson was previously suspended for the 2012 positive but as is common with PGA Tour disciplinary action the ban was never made public.
While the PGA Tour denied suspending Johnson, its statement did not specifically address the veracity of the reports that Johnson had tested positive for recreational drugs.
In his statement on Thursday, Johnson called his departure a leave of absence, but it is one that will cost him a chance of winning his first major title at this week's PGA Championship plus a place in the season-ending series of play-off events and a likely spot on the US team for the Ryder Cup.
"I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced," Johnson said. "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 fulfil my potential and become a consistent champion."
The PGA Tour released a statement saying: "We wish him well and look forward to his return to the PGA Tour in the future."
Last year, Johnson announced he was engaged to be married to Paulina Gretzky, daughter of Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
Johnson, who has won eight PGA titles, had a win this season and two runner-up showings.


US PGA Tour denies Dustin Johnson is banned

An unhappy Dustin Johnson after his tee shot was not the best at the 17th during the final round of the British Open last month. The PGA Tour insists his leave of absence is voluntary. Photo: Reuters

Dustin Johnson takes leave of absence from tour over 'personal challenges'

Dustin Johnson is taking a leave of absence from the game to sort out some personal challenges. Photo: USA Today

Sport

Golf

It says his absence is voluntary after media reports claim he tested positive for cocaine


US PGA Tour denies Dustin Johnson is banned

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}It says his absence is voluntary after media reports claim he tested positive for cocaine

It says his absence is voluntary after media reports claim he tested positive for cocaine