Drugs in golf

With the advent of the first professional golfer to test positive for a banned substance, the question of drugs in golf is now something which is very much at the forefront of the sport. Although drug testing has taken place on both European and PGA Tours since 2008, American Doug Barron is the first to test positive for a performance enhancing substance.

Following golf’s inclusion in the Olympics, drugs in the sport will no doubt get more and more attention. I personally believe golf is a relatively clean sport as I can’t really see a huge benefit in taking them to improve performance. Although the PGA Tour hasn’t mentioned the banned substance used by Barron, drugs normally associated with golf are often relaxation types to allow the golfer to cope with pressure situations better. Former Open Champion, Nick Price, was quoted as saying he did sample beta blockers in an attempt to improve his own performance but drew the conclusion that his putting was terrible as a result of their use. In short given the complexity of the game, with the majority of benefits counteracted by a negative, I can’t see a tangible benefit being gained from their use. For example using steroids to gain muscle growth would potentially give a benefit in hitting the ball further but in turn could have a negative effect on the player’s swing and technique which could be of detriment to control and accuracy. Equally the use of anxiety controlling substances such as beta blockers could calm the player in pressure situations but also have an adverse effect in the ability to be ‘up’ for their golf.

With the game changing almost beyond recognition with advances in technology and greater emphasis being placed on length there is a potential for golfers to seek extra muscle to gain this distance. Although players are becoming fitter and better physically as seen in the likes of Tiger Woods, Paul Casey and Adam Scott this body shape is more in keeping with a middle distance runner, rather than a maximum exertion activity such as weight-lifting or sprinting where drugs such as steroids are known to benefit.

One of the great players of the game, Gary Player, who was seen as the fittest golfer of his generation was quoted as saying he believed a number of top players currently were taking performance enhancing drugs. Having been a keen watcher of golf for many years I haven’t seen any golfers significantly change their body shape over the years to reflect this drug use. Players who have entered into the professional circuit such as Camilo Villegas or Martin Kaymer have been bought up on better fundamentals and principals with regards to physical fitness. This combined with having Tiger Woods as a role model for all aspects of golf (physically and technique) will surely have contributed to their body shape and emphasis on fitness.

In summation, although this week has seen the first positive drug testing for a professional golfer, I don’t see drugs in golf as a problem for our great game. It’s principals which are ingrained in trust and sportsmanship and given the counteracting negative benefits of drugs I can’t see this being an issue which greatly influences the game. If they could develop a drug which made us hit it 300 yards and straight every time while one-putting each green I’ll be the first to sign up!