In case you missed it - PGA to start blood testing in 2018

mikeintopeka

"The PGA Tour will begin blood testing next season as part of a tighter and more transparent anti-doping program announced Tuesday."

"Transparent?" The end of this short article does mention DJ and his 6 month leave of absence from the tour.

The tour began random urine testing in 2008 and 3 players have been suspended for detection of banned substances. Can you name them? (answer in the next post)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pga-tour-toughens-drug-testing-1497974318

mikeintopeka

mikeintopeka - The Tour first introduced its anti-doping program in 2008. Since then, only three players have been suspended for PEDs: Doug Barron, Bhavik Patel and Scott Stallings.

Bigborgel

Those PED's sure helped those 3 win Majors....

PA-PLAYA

It was only a matter of time. I think golf (overall) is still a much cleaner sport than a lot of others regarding PEDs use, but there probably are a handful of guys on tour that might find this new testing a bit more precarious.

PA-PLAYA

So... I wonder what the tour's policy is regarding opiate addiction....

http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/19804409/tiger-woods-says-completed-intensive-program

darpar

Bump

GLFTPS

I see a pro on the South African Tour was suspended for using a beta blocker. I was a psychologist (Ph.D) and wonder why he would choose a B-Blocker. Beta waves are the waves that stimulate the heart. They are given to ward of tachycardia and palpitations and prevent a heart attack. I think a pro should simply get Dx as having an anxiety disorder and then get prescribed Xanax or Klonopin as these tend to calm the nerves down better.

rsvman

GLFTPS Beta-blockers have a long history of use for calming people for performances. They treat the shakes. Maybe that's why he was on them?

Ringoblack

So, they are blood testing......which arm do they draw from? and wouldn't that affect their swings? Give me a break.

Spuzz

Ringoblack
They can take it from their ass if that makes you feel better.

Not sure what you are objecting to.
Drug testing is over due, imo.

rsvman

Ringoblack you're not serious, right?

Ringoblack

Spuzz

Drug testing. As long as it doesn't come from mine.😉

Ringoblack

rsvman

Wrong. I see no point to testing unless it is to make the IOC happy.

ode

Likely will find more recreational drugs then performance enhancing.

Spuzz

ode
Could be the case, unless you expand on your idea of performance enhancing.
Steroids? Likely a small % (eg. Tiger)
Meds for the shakes, pick me ups and maybe pain numbing meds might be another story.

sdandrea1

Drug testing on Champions Tour would test positive for NSAIDs!

mikeintopeka

sdandrea1 Drug testing on Champions Tour would test positive for NSAIDs and Viagra!

Note: Expansion of your response for relevance. 😛