The issue of steroids has finally reached the golf world. On the same day that American Floyd Landis was banned for doping and stripped of his 2006 Tour de France Title, several golf organizations signed an anti-doping policy. The policy comes after weeks of speculation of when professional golf would start taking the same steps that other professional sports were taking in tackling the problem of steroids.

Organizations signing the policy included the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, U.S. Golf Association, Royal & Ancient Golf Club, Augusta National Golf Club and the PGA of America. Most of professional golf is represented with the PGA, European Tour, LPGA Tour, and U.S. Association signing the policy.

Of course this is but the first step in a long process of carrying out the drug policy. The LPGA has been the first to act by announcing drug testing beginning in 2008. It’ll only be a matter of time before others start following suit.

Discussion of drug testing within professional had been looming around for a couple months since the PGA’s British Open. It was at that time, that golf legend Gary Player discussed knowledge of at least one professional golfer who had used performance enhancing steroids. Gary Player’s comments brought up many questions, since golf doesn’t require the same power, strength, and endurance as sports such as cycling, baseball, and football who have struggled with the problem of steroids over the past several years.

Despite many people’s questions about the intelligence behind the use of steroids in golf as well as the intelligence behind drug testing in golf, many argue that it’s best to go ahead and initiate a plan of action to be on the safe side, whether professional golfers are in fact using steroids or not. Of course a major point amidst the discussion of the new steroid policy in golf, as well as any sports going through a similar process, is the importance of upholding the honor and integrity of the game.

For more articles and updates regarding the recent anti-doping policy, check out ESPN’s golf page.

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