Dustin Johnson: ‘I partied to deal with pressure’

Dustin Johnson: Faced allegations of drug taking after absence. Picture: Getty

The 30-year-old, American who on Tuesday night announced the birth of his first child, a son, with fiancée Paulina Gretsky, is on a voluntary leave of absence from the PGA Tour.

His disappearance from the tour in late July prompted allegations in the United States of a positive test for cocaine – claims which have dogged Johnson for several years but which he has always strenuously denied. His admission he was taking a break to tackle  “personal challenges” only intensified speculation.

But, in his first interviews since the announcement, the big-hitting Ryder Cup star has again dismissed the claims that he has a drug problem, revealing instead that his battle has been with alcohol.

“I did not have a problem,” he told ESPN and SI.com, talking specifically about cocaine.

“It’s just something I’m not going to get into. I have issues but that’s not the issue.”

Johnson insisted drugs “didn’t really have a role in my life”. He said: “Like everyone I’m tested regularly by the Tour and as far as that’s concerned… I haven’t failed anything.

“I would drink and drink to excess.

“The change I made is I just don’t do that any more.

“I definitely have given up hard liquor ’cause that was the thing that I went to… it’s been a big change.”

Johnson, who is expected to return to action at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in a fortnight’s time, told SI.com he had learned new ways to deal with stress during his period of leave.

“My way of getting rid of it was drinking or partying,” he added.

“That might work for that day or the next week but, eventually, everything keeps piling up.”