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Posted at 6:26 a.m., Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Golf: Gary Player he knows of 1 steroid user in game

By Doug Ferguson
Associated Press

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland — Gary Player said today he knows of at least one golfer who has used steroids, and he urged golf organizations to move quickly toward a random drug-testing plan.

"We're dreaming if we think it's not going to come into golf," Player said.

Player estimated 10 players from tours around the world were taking some type of performance-enhancing drug. Asked how he knew golfers were taking steroids, he said a player told him in confidence.

"One guy told me — and I took an oath prior to him telling me — but he told me what he did and I could see this massive change in him," Player said. "And somebody else told me something I also promised I wouldn't tell, that verified others had done it."

Last year, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the USGA used random testing for the first time at the World Amateur Team Championship in South Africa. All 12 tests came back negative.

The LPGA Tour said it would start drug testing next year, while the European Tour and PGA Tour also are moving toward drug policies. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson supports testing, although he said the professional tours are better suited to develop drug policies.

Asked about Player's accusation, Dawson referred to Tiger Woods' comments earlier in the week.

Woods, who has come out in favor of drug testing, was asked Tuesday if he would be surprised if a golfer tested positive.

"If anything, probably out here it would be testing positive for maybe being hung over a little bit," Woods said. "But that's about it. I know some guys have taken Medrol packs for inflammation in their wrists, but other than that, I really don't see anybody doing anything, or have heard anybody doing anything."

Phil Mickelson also said he thought golfers were clean.

"I don't think there's even a remote chance that will happen," he said of a golfer testing positive for steroids.