European Tour starts drug scheme

The European Tour's drug-testing programme has come into effect and could be enforced at the European Open at the London Club in Kent this week.

However, director of Tour operations David Garland would not reveal exactly when testing would take place.

"Testing can start any time. It may happen this week, next week or other weeks down the line," he said.

"This year we will do a few tournaments, next year we might do a few more and increase that."

Officials will not reveal when testing will start as the players are not meant to be told ahead of time.

The policy, has been set up after pressure from governments to bring golf into line with other sports. It is also meant to increase the chances for golf becoming an Olympic sport.

Golf had been one of the only sports not to test for performance-enhancing drugs and last year, nine-times major winner Gary Player claimed he knew of some players who had taken drugs although he did not specify which ones.

The women's LPGA Tour announced plans last November to start drug testing players in the first quarter of 2008 while at the same time the US PGA Tour said its programme could start as early as this month.

The European Tour's list of banned substances mirrors that used by the World Anti-Doping Agency and doctors will be on hand at several tournaments to help the players understand what substances are on the banned list.

"They (the players) understand that this is coming," added Garland. "Our education has gone well and we have not had many adverse comments. We had to ensure we had a robust policy.

"The players have all got a little 'Z card' they can use in conjunction with their doctor or pharmacist," added Garland.

"Another step we have taken is to have one of our own doctors on a Tuesday and Wednesday at over 20 events through the year.

"They are sports medics primarily - fully briefed on our policy so the players have someone they can turn to on a weekly basis that is a friendly face."