Was it really a voluntary leave, or a mere ploy to save face from a suspension?

Eight-time PGA Tour champion Dustin Johnson announced on Thursday he would be spending some time off from professional golf to deal with "personal issues."

But another report claims Johnson had been suspended for six months after he failed three drug tests.

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Johnson released a statement on Thursday saying he would be seeking 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," he said.

Johnson was anticipated to join the U.S. Ryder Cup team, as he is the fifth in the points list.

But Golf.com reported on Friday that Johnson was indeed serving a suspension for using recreational drugs.

Golf.com's source said Johnson has failed three drug tests: the first for marijuana in 2009 and the subsequent tests for cocaine in 2012 and 2014.

Johnson had been suspended for the 2012 incident, but the punishment was never made public. The PGA Tour's drug-testing policy does not compel them to announce any disciplinary action against players who failed the screening.

In 2012, Johnson withdrew from the Masters and from other tourneys for three months, saying he injured his back.

Johnson's hard-partying ways are the Tour's "least-kept secrets," a source told New York Post.

"He's always lived fast,'' another Tour source told The Post. "Maybe he realizes now it's time to slow down."

Johnson is engaged to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina.

TagsPGA Tour, Dustin Johnson, Paulina Gretzky, Ryder Cup