Tours set to reveal drug test details

Further details of the drug-testing policies to be introduced by the European and US Tours from next year are expected to be given during a conference call tomorrow.

While refusing to name names Gary Player put the subject back into the headlines during The Open in July by stating his opinion that “at least 10 players and maybe more are on something”.

That claim was instantly disputed by leading players and officials, but by then the sport had already decided to formulate a policy of testing.

While initially throwing doubt on the need for such a move PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said recently: “I think we’re at a point where, to maintain confidence in the public and the fans, we have to take this step.

“Whether we like it or not, or whether we think 98% of the public have confidence in our players, we still have to take steps.

“We have the best image in professional sports and it’s maybe more important to our sport than other sports because it affects the marketing of our sport.”

Former European number one Lee Westwood said today: “I’ve no objections to testing, but I’ve not heard a word about anything on Tour and don’t have any suspicions about anybody on Tour.

“I think if you’re going to suggest people do it you have to name names.

“I don’t know enough about it, but I can’t think of any obvious drugs that would help you play golf.

“There’s talk of beta-blockers, but the last thing I would want coming down the stretch is my heart rate slowing down and me nodding off. You need adrenaline.”

It was the possible use of human growth hormone and steroids to increase muscle power that Player focused on in his comments.