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Following on from my article a few weeks ago, it now seems likely that The PGA Tour could implement its new drug-testing program as early as July next year. A positive test could result in a one-year suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban if a player is caught three times. The new anti-doping policy has now been agreed by all organizations involved and ratified by the the Tour’s policy board.

Testing will take place in and out of competition with no limit to the number of times a year a player can be tested. It has not been confirmed whether there would be mandatory testing or players, such as the winner of a tournament. Potentially we could look forward to the sight of the winner receiving two cups; one for the tournament and the other for a specimen!

Next month Tour players will receive a manual detailing the banned substances, as part of an education program that will extend through June, with testing to follow. The manual will contain a list of prohibited substances, including anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, narcotics and beta blockers. 

Penalties could include a ban for up to one year for the first violation,up to five years for the second violation, with a lifetime ban for multiple violations; and fines up to $500,000. Violations for recreational drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, could be treated differently from steroids. The program allows discretion to require treatment instead of sanctions, or a combination of the two.

Although the  tour has never disclosed fines  in the past, there will be more transparency when reporting penalties and fines for drugs misuse.

An education program for the Nationwide Tour will begin in the middle of next year, with testing to start toward the end of the 2008 season. On the Champions Tour for players 50 and older, the education program will start in January 2009, with testing expected to start in the middle of that year.

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