Top golfers on drugs, says Player

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland: Ten or more of the world's leading golfers could be using performance-enhancing drugs, Gary Player claimed on Wednesday.

"Whether it is HGH (human growth hormone), whether it's creatine or whether it's steroids, I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it," the legendary South African told reporters on the eve of the British Open.

In remarks that put the spotlight on the absence of any form of random doping controls at this week's British Open or in golf generally, Player said one player had told him directly about his use of substances that are banned in most sports.

"He told me what he did and I could see this massive change in him and then somebody else told me something - that I also promised I wouldn't tell - that verified others had done it," the South African said.

Asked to guess how many golfers could be on drugs, he added: "I would say there's ten guys out there taking something. I might be way out. Definitely not going to be lower, but might be a hell of a lot more."

Player's view contrasts with that of current world number one Tiger Woods, who joked earlier this week that the only positive tests he would expect would be on hungover golfers.

Peter Dawson, Secretary of the British Open organizers, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said it was impossible to say whether or not there were significant numbers of golfers using steroids etc.

"The jury is still out on that one. We do support random testing in golf however and we are working closely with the major tours around the world on its introduction. "Discussions are at a pretty advanced stage but we are in the hands of the tours - we are a one-week tournament and testing is a 52-week a year business. The Open will fall into line with whatever is decided."

Even if the tours do swiftly agree on the principles of a system of random testing, its introduction is likely to be delayed for some time to allow for players to be educated on their responsibilities and potential sanctions under the new regime.

AFP

(China Daily 07/20/2007 page23)