No tests for drugs at Open

The Open at Royal Birkdale this summer will not be the first major championship ever to test players for drugs.

Despite the formation of an anti-doping policy adopted by the professional game late last year and the anticipated start of testing on the American and European tours in July the Royal and Ancient Club have decided that their event will not be included this time.

Chief executive Peter Dawson, one of the driving forces behind the introduction of drug-testing in the sport, admitted today that the delay was “slightly unsatisfactory”.

He explained that the Open’s global qualifying system was the main reason. Events have already taken place in Asia, South Africa and Australia and the players at those events have not had the same education programme open to those in Europe and America.

“We played a leading role in the development of a policy of which we are very proud,” stated Dawson.

“But it is very important that players understand what it is about and given that quite a number of players do not play on the PGA or European Tours we decided that it will not start at the Open this year.

“But we very much hope and intend to start next year. If the Open was in October we would probably be drug-testing this year.

“I think we have a pretty good record at taking the lead in drug-testing. We made a big contribution towards its introduction and I think our record in this area stands scrutiny.”

On the eve of last year’s championship at Carnoustie three-time winner Gary Player hit the headlines with claims that a number of players were taking performance-enhancing substances.

“I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it,” said the South African. “And the greatest thing that the R&A, the USGA and the PGA can do is have tests at random – it’s absolutely essential that we do that.

“We’re dreaming if we think it’s not going to come into golf.”

He refused to name any names, commenting: “I would say there’s 10 (professional tour players) taking something. I might be way out – definitely not going to be lower, but might be a hell of a lot more.

“One guy told me and somebody else told me something that I also promised I wouldn’t tell that verified others had done it.”

Even with no actual testing this year the R&A has a “no drugs” clause in the championship entry form.