( CNN ) -- American golfer Dustin Johnson has announced he is to take a break from the sport and will seek `` professional help '' to improve his mental health . The world No . 16 pulled out of the WBC-Bridgestone Invitational due to personal reasons earlier this week and will now not contest next week 's U.S. PGA Championship at Valhalla or the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles , Scotland , in September . A statement from Johnson 's management company read : `` 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 . '' The 30-year-old has won eight titles on the PGA Tour and is highly regarded by fans and fellow professionals for his big hitting game . He is currently ranked fifth in the standings of U.S. golfers , meaning he would almost certainly have been an automatic pick for the Ryder Cup . Johnson was also the only player in the American team to remain undefeated when Europe retained the trophy after a dramatic final day comeback at Medinah in 2012 . Reacting to the announcement Friday , U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson told the PGA website : `` We will certainly miss Dustin Johnson at Gleneagles , and we wish him the best . `` As one of the longest hitters in the game with an undefeated record of 3-0 at Medinah in 2012 , he has clearly been an asset for the United States team . That said , the United States is a team with an abundance of talent . '' Tiger Woods added to his captain 's words . `` I 'll tell you what , with his power , you always want guys with that kind of power to play on any team . I 've been his partner in the Presidents Cup in Australia , and the fire power that he has , it 's pretty cool to be around , '' said the 14-time major winner . `` It 's not too often you see a guy carry the ball 320 ( yards ) without even trying , and then when he steps on it he can hit it even further . When he gets it going , it 's awfully impressive . '' Former U.S. Open champion and European Ryder Cup opponent Justin Rose also passed on his regards to his friend and colleague . `` I just wish him well , whatever he 's facing right now , '' Rose said in quotes carried by UK news agency , the Press Association . `` ( It ) ca n't be easy for him . I wish him all the best . He 's a friend of mine ( but I ) did n't really know that that was on the cards . '' Johnson recently finished 12th in the British Open after heading out in the final pairing with eventual winner Rory McIlroy . He rounded off his statement by requesting privacy in the months ahead as he begins his time off . `` I respectfully ask my fans , well-wishers and the media for privacy as I embark upon this mission of self-improvement , '' he said .
Dustin Johnson announces he will take break from golf . Johnson will miss the U.S. PGA and Ryder Cup tournaments . The golfer announced his decision on Twitter Thursday morning, saying that it was a "tough decision" but one he's made for himself.