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LPGA to Start Testing for Drugs

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has recently announced that it is to start testing for drugs in 2008. Until now, no golf association has required that professional players submit to drug testing leading up to a tour. This announcement was made as the LPGA wrapped up its 2006 season at the ATD Championships that carries a prize of $1-million and is arguable the largest prize money in golf tour history.

The drug testing program details will be discussed during the 2007 season and players will be advised within six to nine months regarding the testing procedures for performance-enhancing drugs. Players will be told exactly how they will be tested and will be given a list of banned substances. Until now, golf has been seen as a ?clean? sport, however many professionals have been calling of late to introduce drug-testing programs. Tiger Woods, especially, has been very vocal in this call.

Top ranked woman?s player, Annika Sorenstam said that she had no problem with the testing program but still felt that it was sad that the LPGA felt the need to introduce it. She was quoted as saying: ?I believe in the people out here. ... I don`t think you`re going to see anything out here, so it might be a waste of time?. However, she also said that testing might give certain people peace of mind and that would make the program worthwhile. The 2007 LPGA tour will include 31 tournaments and another four unofficial events.