Stars see no drugs issue

Drug testing introduced for first time at this week's European Open

Last updated: 7th July 2008

dougherty nick

Dougherty: No problem

If there are guys out there taking performance-enhancing drugs then I hope they get caught and I hope they do something about it, but I'd like to think golf hasn't got a problem.

Nick Dougherty
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As drug testing hits the European tour for the first time this week, some of its biggest stars have come out to voice their opinion that that sport remains clean.

The European Open at the London Club in Kent will see random testing of players as golf follows the lead of other sports.

Last year Gary Player caused controversy by declaring he knew of at least ten players worldwide who were using performance-enhancing drugs.

However, those claims have been played down a number of Europe's elite who don't expect many, if any casualties of the new testing system.

"If there are guys out there taking performance-enhancing drugs then I hope they get caught and I hope they do something about it, but I'd like to think golf hasn't got a problem," Nick Dougherty told Sky Sports.

Another Englishman Ross Fisher added: "I'd still be very surprised if there are any guys out here taking drugs. I'd be shocked really."

World number nine Justin Rose insisted the golfing authorities had got it right to introduce testing measures - but, while conceding he could understand why players might choose to use drugs, was not anticipating many positive player samples.

"I can see the reasons for doing it, and that's not me saying there are people taking drugs, but I think obviously golf's such a huge game now, such a major game, it needs to fall into line with all the other sports that do have mandatory testing," he said.