Molinari not suffering from burnout after withdrawing from U.S. Open

Francesco Molinari set the record straight after withdrawing from the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, saying he's not burnt out and is taking time off to be with family.

“I see a lot of questions,” Molinari wrote in Italian on Monday, according to Golfworld's Joel Beall. “I didn’t hang up the bag, I took a break to manage a life change with my family. I have no physical problems. I don’t feel burnt out, but only time will tell. I’m not changing gear."

Molinari's last start was the opening round of the Players Championship back in March.

The 2018 Open Championship winner admitted it'll be difficult to rediscover his form after such a long layoff.

“It will be hard to get back to the levels of 2018 no doubt, you don’t think it was easy the first time. I am the only one who has not returned. I am well aware of it, but it is not the first time that I have made different or unpopular choices (see Rio 2016).”

Molinari withdrew from the Italian team at the 2016 Rio Olympics for family reasons.

The 37-year-old said he would return to competitive play, but didn't clarify when he'll come back.

“I’ll be back in a while, I won’t tell you the exact time because I simply haven’t decided it yet and it will depend on the schedule/preparation,” Molinari wrote. “As soon as I decide when to return you will know too, I hope it will be as soon as possible. Thanks again to those who support me even in these moments.”

The U.S. Open is set to begin Sept. 17 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.