FILE PHOTO: Apr 25, 2019; Avondale, LA, USA; Chris Kirk walks to the 18th tee box during the first round of the Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Kirk is taking indefinite leave from the PGA Tour to confront issues with alcohol and depression.
Kirk made the announcement via Twitter on Tuesday morning.
On the eve of his 34th birthday, Kirk said, “I have already begun a new and better chapter in my life. Thank you to my friends and family for being there for me.”
In an accompanying statement, Kirk wrote, “I have dealt with alcohol abuse and depression for some time now. 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 played golf at the University of Georgia and made his Tour debut in 2011.
He has four career PGA Tour wins, most recently in May 2015 at Colonial. He also won twice on the Nationwide Tour in 2010.
—Field Level Media