PGA Tour denies Johnson suspended

01:55 - 02 August 2014

The PGA Tour was forced to deny reports Dustin Johnson's leave of absence was due to a suspension for drug use.

A statement on the Tour's official website insisted the 30-year-old's break was voluntary.

"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 Johnson failed a drug test for a third time, having allegedly tested positive for marijuana in 2009 before two showings of cocaine in his system in '12 and '14.

Johnson said on Thursday via a statement that he was leaving the Tour temporarily in order to address "personal challenges".