PGA Tour Pro takes indefinite leave after revealing struggle with alcohol abuse and depression
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PGA Tour player Chris Kirk took to social media on Tuesday to announce that he is taking an indefinite leave from the sport as he seeks help for alcohol abuse and depression.
The four-time PGA Tour winner announced his decision to seek treatment while making his family his priority on the eve of his 34th birthday.
“Tomorrow I will celebrate my 34th birthday but I have already begun a new and better chapter in my life,” Kirk captioned the post. “Thank you to my friends and family for being there for me.”
On a red background, Kirk then posted an official statement.
“I have dealt with alcohol abuse and depression for some time now,” Kirk wrote in the post.
“I thought I could control it, but after multiple relapses I have come to realize that I can’t fix this on my own. I will be taking an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour to deal with these issues. I don’t know when I will be back, but for now I need my full focus on being the man my family deserves. Thank you for your support.”
Kirk, who is currently ranked 188th in the World, has missed his last three cuts in a row – and 11 of his last 16 – with a best result of T15 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
His last victory came at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in 2015, with 11 top-10s since. This season, he has earned $261,401.
