LPGA in drugs testing move

The LPGA have announced that players will undergo random drugs tests from the 2008 season, moving ahead of the men's tours in addressing this widely discussed issue.

The LPGA Tour have announced that they will begin testing players for performance-enhancing drugs in 2008, beating both the USPGA and European Tours to the punch, in a move that makes it the first major golf tour to announce a drugs testing program.

This decision is despite the fact that the LPGA has never had any reason to suspect that any female golfers were using performance-enhancing drugs in the first place.

LPGA Tour Commissioner Carolyn Givens states, ?While we have no evidence to date suggesting that any of our players are, or have been, using performance enhancing drugs, we need to have a very clear policy and program in place.?

World number one Annika Sorenstam (pictured) is all for the decision but insists it?s ?sad that we have to have testing.?

?I believe in this sport. I believe in the people out here and I don?t think you?re going to see anything out there, so it probably will be a waste of time,? she said.

?But if it's peace of mind for people and if we need to prove that the LPGA?s clean, then let?s do it.?

The leading website from the world’s oldest golf magazine, we’re the go-to destination for amateur and keen golfers alike who are keen to up their golfing game. As well as expert course reviews, news and tips to improve your handicap our golf-focused travel content will help you pair teeing off with your travels in some of the best destinations around the globe.