Tiger Woods suggested that the PGA be proactive and start drug testing. He did not imply that anyone was using performance enhancing drugs, but he suggested that it could happen and that the PGA should take the lead and prevent it from happening rather than react to it when it does happen. Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner, said that he sees no reason to start testing for PE’s. I would have to agree with Mr. Finchem and here are my reasons:
1. To my knowledge there are no performance enhancers which help with hand eye coordination. Golf is a funny game. Players can be as lumpy as Tim Herron or as bulky as Craig Stadler and still be successful. Others players are as small as Corey Pavin and still win tournaments. Size has nothing to do with success on the PGA and steroids which help a player bulk up could actually be counter-productive. Hitting the ball further is more of a function of "swing speed" and not muscles. That is why a guy like Camilo Villegas can hit the ball 300+ yards when he is only 5'8" and weighs less than 150 lbs.
2. Performance enhancers like EPO help cyclists by giving an oxygen boost to their tired muscles. Cyclists and marathon runners need this boost to help, but not golfers. I am sorry, but walking 18 holes o####olf course at a snail’s pace while someone carries your clubs for you and you suck down a Dasani does not qualify as aerobic exercise. The body is not taxed enough to need a “boost” and therefore EPO would not benefit any golfer enough to make them risk using this type of enhancer.
3. The last category of enhancers would be “speed” or amphetamines. While some players may be using this form of PE, the chances are they are using them more as an illegal drug than to help them golf. Amphetamines are sometimes used as weight loss drugs or even for ADD. So this category might be something that you would find in some PGA golfer’s bloodstream it is highly unlikely that he would be using it to do better on the tour. If anything the player might develop the “yips” while putting while on “meth”.
So while Tiger Woods says all of the right things and encourages the tour to be proactive, I think Commissioner Finchem is on the right trail. It might be unpopular and politically incorrect, but I do think he is right when he says the PGA does not have a problem in the realm of “performance enhancers.” The real question is should they test for sedatives to calm the nerves of golfers as they look down the line of a three foot putt at Augusta.
First off, what does this have to do with the NBA, or the NFL? Second, does Tim Finchem see KNOW reason to test for drugs? Or NO reason to test for drugs? Third, you start by saying that they shouldn't test for drugs, then you end it by saying the 'real question' is should they test for sedatives? I'm confused.
Sidd, I don't blame you for being confused. Obviously you do not follow golf. Golf has never had a problem with PE, but that is a loosely defined term. There is speculation that some golfers who are ADD, ADHD might use Ritalin or some other drug that helps to calm the nerves when they are putting. The "Yips" did in Tom Watson and Johnny Miller. With a drug like this it might help.
Hopefully you are not upset by my comments on your blog, and this is real questioning. Oh as far as what this has to do with the NFL or NBA; is that a rhetorical question? Clearly you know the answer to this question as well. I listed it there for exposure. You know that, so just say what is on your mind instead of acting all coy.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 26th at 11:04 AM.
Also, Finchem sees "no" reason. Thanks for catching that aggregious error.
Lastly, the reason for stating they should test for sedatives is because this is a real issue that should be explored but that is ignored. Woods was not implying to test for them nor was Finchem. I am suggesting they should consider it. There are players on tour who are taking them and more considering it. I think you are confused if you state that I said I am against drug testing. Read the first paragraph carefully and you will see that I said I agree with Finchem's position on not testing for Performance Enhancers or steroids which is what Woods is suggesting. In the last paragraph I suggest they should test for things which calm the nerves because that is a legitimate help to a player. This might include alcohol too. Have a beer, putt straight. Should that be legal? This is not the same category of "drugs" as say HGH or the Cream and the Clear which is what most think of when Woods says test for steroids. Hope that clears it up, but if not, just ask.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 26th at 11:44 AM.
socal So often when Tiger mentions something everyone sits up and takes notice and that's not from even within the sport. But I thought it exrtraordinary that he should mention the topic at a time like this. Golf has never given us cause for concern that illecit PE's were rampant within the sport. Shaun Micheel who finished second to Tiger in the PGA admitted that he'd been taking testosterone at larger than normal doses to combat severe bouts of depression that he'd been suffering from for the last 2 1/2 years. A stark admittance from someone within the sport but I doubt it's that controversial.
socal Would taking anyone of the various ED products on the market considered to be cheating as this does give you a distinct advantage wouldn't you say ?
Socal, I'm not sure if Tigger offered that opinion from a specific question, or his own volition but it would be the most "PC" way to go.
And I dont care how much clear, cream, bennies, crack or herion you do. It ain't gonna help when your in the beach, down hill lie, and three feet of green to work with. What you need there, is a $10.00 mulligan!!!!!
Whether or not Tiger answered a question or he offered it up on his own volition, is not relevant. If asked a question, it would have been PC to say that the PGA does not have a drug problem. I believe he thinks that is the direction to go. Why? Not sure.
What if a player took a performance enhancing steroid in order to decrease recovery time? Golf tournaments are long affairs that require more physical exertion than one would think and if you want to speculate on pitchers using drugs in order to decrease recovery time than it's not so far fetched to think that golfers would do the same.
As one who plays golf daily and walks the course, I can tell you that when I was in my 20's and early 30's it was no big deal covering 18 holes. A hot shower and I was ready to go again. After years and many, many miles of golf I can tell you that the muscles and joints start to feel the strain - especially at the swing speeds of some of these pros. I have often wondered if any of them are taking anything to "enhance" their bodies recovery each day. Elbows, shoulders, knees and hips can take a beating after tens of thousands of swings under stress...
socal Is there anyone of the supposed 'Four' ever really mount a wortwhile challenge to Tiger? O r is it now really going to be about him challenging himself over the next couple of years ? Vijay's probably looking to cut down on his playing time to be with his family more as I know his son Qass will soon be entering high school. But what of Els,Mickelson and Goosen as such they've got no excuse for their sporadic play.
Socal-I was going to post on this topic but never got around to it over the weekend. I would have to mildly disagree with you here. I agree there is no reason to believe any are using performance enhancers, but PEs do more than just bulk you up, as I'm sure you know. Look at Jason Grimsley and other who have tested positive in MLB. I've never been a fan of the 'guilty until proven innocent' mindset that drug testing is based on, but, unfortunately, in today's society, I think the PGA would be sending a positive message by testing. I don't think PEs are a factor in the game, but anyone thinking of using would be deterred by any possibility of a test. Just my opinion. Good post at any rate.
I agree with you Socal, taking PE's doesn't help you hit it on the sweet spot. Plus in golf, bigger and stronger doesnt neccessarily mean better. If you can smack it off the tee 400 yds becasue you take steroids, my guess is that your short game is going to suck.
The hand/eye coordination argument is weak. If you can prove to me that it requires ZERO physical effort to navigate 72 holes, stroking a ball nearly 300 times over four days I will relent. Until then, there is no point in saying golf has no problem & never will. By not testing, this is the message being sent.
Hey, I'm sorry about copying and posting, but Jeff George was just signed by the Raiders!
Does anyone else believe in the Apocalypse? I saw him play in the Indiana semi-state HS for Warren Central in 1985...I was 15...He had a pro arm back then. My BHSS team lost about 31-0...
Well guys, Norcal, Ricko, and all the rest, PE's do not help golf. On the one hand, everyone claims that taking steroids is what hurt Barry's knees and elbows and then you guys say that they aid in recovery. Make up your mind.
There are no steroids that help golfers, period. You can take pain medication for a bad back, but hey, Curt Schilling took a cortisone injection into his ankle to pitch. So I guess those kind of corticosteroids are okay in MLB.
In golf, it is more mental that kills the likes of Retief and Phil, not being able to hit it 300 yards. Plus, these guys recover day in and day out. Yes when they hit the senior tour it takes longer, but that is why they only play three rounds instead of four like the PGA.
Ok Socal. You explain to me the difference in physical exertion from a pitcher who stands on the mound and throws ball after ball to a golfer who walks 18 holes and swings club after club. Why wouldn't a steroid aid in recovery time? Do you even play golf?
So you're saying that strength does not increase your chance of smashing the ball 300 yards? John Daly and Tiger destroy the ball more because of their physical strength than their swings.
Hoff, yes I play golf. I am the women's golf coach at my HS.
As for aiding in recovery, some drugs do help muscles repair faster, but in golf you are not tearing any muscle tissue apart. My point is that if this type of steroid is illegal in baseball why can pitchers take steroid shots for pain? Golfers have back pain for the most part and they have physical trainers in the trailers for help. They can take Advil like Nolan Ryan, but HGH and other designer drugs are not marketed to golfers
As for Daly and Tiger, the fact is that their strenth has nothing to do with how far the ball goes. It is a simple physics phenomenon and not brute strength. Ask any golf professional. The ability to coil and impact swing speed is all it takes, that and a 450 cc club. Daly coils more than anyone, goes way past parallel. Tiger has a 120+ mph swing. A small guy like Villegas hits it 20 yards past Tiger and he is only 140 lbs. I may be wrong on a lot things HOffman, but not about the physics o####olf swing.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 29th at 2:13 PM.
You may want to argue the point of testing, but brute strength does not play the major role in any golfer's swing or distance off the club. Bobby Jones hit it 300 yards with hickory shafts and he was a short man, of no physical stature, but he had the sweetest swing ever.
Jack Nicklaus, long hitter back in the day, not a real big guy. Michelle WIe, 300+ yards, no male hormones there. It is more about technique than physique.
Lastly Hoffman, as for increases chances, golfers are not about chances. They need repeatable swings that are consistent. They need to be able to hit the ball on the sweet spot every time to go right down the fairway. Some of the longest hitters on tour are the thinnest guys and not at all the strongest. I may just have to post a piece on this now to prove a point.
Last edited by socalsportsfan on August 29th at 2:31 PM.
Perhaps we can discount performance enhancing drugs, but wouldn't it be wise for an organization like the PGA tour to test for other drugs, like marijuana or cocaine?
Maybe Tiger knows about guys getting high and wants to ensure that guys are keeping clean and not stirring other young golfers in that direction. One thing about Tiger is he would not want a black eye on the sport that bares his face the most.
Dan, I can see that being important to test for and I am not opposed to that. I just don't think PE's are a problem in this sport. That is specifically what TIger is suggesting and not illegal drugs. Those drugs are against the law and any employer can test for those anyway.
Socal Sooner or later this subject will come to the fore once again. And more likely than not it'll be met a with a lot more seriousness. The main reason Finchem feels it shouldn't be addressed is because there hasn't been a scandal as of yet within the sport.
socal Top chimin' in. Just wanted to know your feelings on the latest dilemma surrounding Leinart ? It would seem he's got himself some 'baby momma drama', an ex girlfriend that's pregnant. No wonder he was being so petulant prior tosigning with the Cardinals. He was trying to figure out how much he'd have to be paying out to maintain his future off spring.
Steroids do not only aid in recovery of muscle tear. They also aid in recovery time from fatigue.
Walking 18 holes four consecutive days and swinging a golf club is a tiring activity.
I understand your point about the dynamics o####olf swing. Let's say hypothetically that you and I are identical in size and golf swing. Let's also say hypothetically that you use performance enhancing drugs and can bench a semi while I am of medium strength. Do you have an advantage? I think your superior strength will allow you to hit the ball further.
I'm not pretending to know more about golf than you but I can remember watching many tournaments where the commentators stated that Tiger's strength and focus on strength training has given him an edge over other golfers since many of them do not even lift weights.
Lastly, it's all about gaining an edge on the competition and it's only a matter of time before someone tries and is exposed.
Socal-In response to your comment on 8/28 @ 8:03; I agree that strength is not the major factor in a golfer's success. I think you are lumping steroids with PEs, perhaps unintentionally on your part. I play a lot of golf as well, and I'll be the first to admit that's it's at least 75% mental once you have certain fundamentals down. No, PEs do not help you hit the ball in the sweet spot repeatedly, but once a golfer's swing is grooved, and all of the pros are, something that will give them an edge in their muscle makeup can definitely help them swing smoother for a long period of time. Having said that, I do not believe the PEs play much of a role in the success of today's top golfers. But to think that a fringe pro, say, one who has spent the last few years on the bubble between Q-school, the Nationwide tour, and the PGA tour, would not be willing to experiment with them is a bit naive. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that it has been done. I guess the first thing that needs to be decided is what is an 'unfair' advantage and what is acceptable. While I am quite sure, as I said, that steroids and/or PEs are not much of a factor at all in today's game, I keep thinking about the fact that baseball let this problem go on for years and years and now they egg all over their collective faces, which may take years and years to clean up. Just my opinion.
Hoffman, the advantage you speak of does not exist. The media talked about Tiger's work ethic and strength training, but that is not what made him great. Just because they were awed by it does not mean that is what made the difference. It has to do with being physically fit more than anything. Freddie Couples has a bad back which when it flares up sidelines him. Lifting weights will not help his back, but stretching and flexibility will. Craig Stadler is built like a Walrus, hence his nickname, and is strong as an Ox, but not lifting.
Ricko, your comment is well taken and a very well thought out position. I would agree if PE's are being used or anyone is tempted, the fringe element would be where it begins. Having said that and coaching golf, I can say that most of the HS players I see on a day to day basis, steroids is not on their minds. The football team, yes, the baseball team, probably so. The golfers, my HS boys can hit it 300 yards with today's equipment and their flexibility. It has nothing to do with their strength.
I donot know why people bring up the hand-eye coordination arguement into this topic, it is very weak to do so. No PE's donot improve it but if you have a guy with a great swing already and stick a needle in his arm along with it, it will give him a little more strength with that already awesome swing. Walking 18 holes is very taxing on the body socal, what are you talking about here? When I was a teenager a ended up puking after 12 holes due to dehydration, that long walk back was killer. Plus if you have a golfer on PE's and working out then that 18 hole round will benefit him physically speaking b/c of the added strength in legs compared to the usual #### golfer who is in normal golf shape(See Lefty). The PGA will be just like the MLB unfortunately and start testing after some big event happens. Kudos to Tiger for bringing it up early though, I see a big huge "TOLD YA SO" coming to the PGA.
I agree. The LPGA set the right tone by saying they wouldn't go after a problem until the knew they had a problem. Although I think you could gain some yardage on the long game by using steroids, I think you are correct in thinking you'd lose more on the finesse side of the game.
Socal,
Interesting topic and your perspective is interesting as well. Frankly I'm glad Tiger decided not to be P.C. I hate P.C. it represents a lack of sincerity to me. If Tiger says he thinks testing should be conducted, I'm sure he's most likely privy to insider information non-pros like us don't have.
I'm a retired sailor and we believe in preventive maintenance. Everyone knows it’s better to keep something running well through preventive maintenance than trying to repair something after it’s broken.
If the world’s greatest pro-golfer believes testing is necessary the Golf gods should at least consider it.
Oh, what’s with that first guy that posted a comment? React to the context of the piece; if you want to grade papers become a teacher.
Nt, thanks for stopping by. I have to disagree and say that I think Tiger is being politically correct by saying drug test. That is the PC thing today. As for preventative maintenance, I am all for it, but I do not believe their is a problem today with PE's in golf.
Dudski, I still think steroids will not add yardage. People of all sizes can drive 300+ yards today. Swing speed, not strength, gives yardage. The speed attained has nothing to do with biceps, but rather the coiling and uncoiling of the hips, shoulders, and uncocking of the wrists at just the right time.
LSU, if you puked after 12 holes and you also consider Lefty an athlete for walking 18 then you need some steroids. Sorry, Craig Stadler, Tim Herron, Phil, and a few others, if they can walk 18, steroids are not the answer. Plus someone carries their clubs for them.
Socal, you're killin me. We're not talking about performance enhancers at the high school level where swings and flexibility aren't at optimum levels. I'm talking about gaining an edge at the professional level where swings are consistent. How does swinging with more strength not allow someone with an already flawless swing hit the ball further?
No its not Hoffman. If that were true then Michelle WIe would not be able to hit it 300+ yards or Villega. Swing speed is a function of the wrist #### and the hip turn, more flexibility than strength. That is why many of the young women can hit it 300+ yards as can most of my HS players. They are not nearly as strong as a John Daly, but they still routinely pop it over 300 yards.
1. To my knowledge there are no performance enhancers which help with hand eye coordination. Golf is a funny game. Players can be as lumpy as Tim Herron or as bulky as Craig Stadler and still be successful. Others players are as small as Corey Pavin and still win tournaments. Size has nothing to do with success on the PGA and steroids which help a player bulk up could actually be counter-productive. Hitting the ball further is more of a function of "swing speed" and not muscles. That is why a guy like Camilo Villegas can hit the ball 300+ yards when he is only 5'8" and weighs less than 150 lbs.
2. Performance enhancers like EPO help cyclists by giving an oxygen boost to their tired muscles. Cyclists and marathon runners need this boost to help, but not golfers. I am sorry, but walking 18 holes o
3. The last category of enhancers would be “speed” or amphetamines. While some players may be using this form of PE, the chances are they are using them more as an illegal drug than to help them golf. Amphetamines are sometimes used as weight loss drugs or even for ADD. So this category might be something that you would find in some PGA golfer’s bloodstream it is highly unlikely that he would be using it to do better on the tour. If anything the player might develop the “yips” while putting while on “meth”. 
