Why the PGA TOUR Needs to Get Rid of Drug Testing

Drug testing has been a hot topic on the PGA TOUR for a few years now. From recreational drugs to PEDs, some of the TOUR’s biggest names have been speculated of using them, whether commissioner Tim Finchem wants to admit that or not.

There have been three pros suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs, with the most recent being Scott Stallings. Stallings actually self reported himself after taking DHEA (a precursor to testosterone) recommended by his doctor for fatigue. Stallings was hit with a three-month suspension for his violation.

Vijay Singh had another run-in with the TOUR’s substance policy in 2013. Singh had admitted to using “deer antler spray” on his back and knee. The spray contained something called IGF-1 which is a growth hormone similar to HGH. Vijay was suspended for 90 days, but he eventually appealed and won his case to overturn the suspension.

Some have accused Tiger Woods of using PEDs. Big Cat received treatment from Dr. Anthony Galea, who plead guilty to bringing in human growth hormones into the U.S. Former caddie Steve Williams has recently come out and put the rumors to rest however. In an interview with Golf Digest, Williams said:

"“Did Tiger do PEDs? There’s no chance,” Williams said. “Love him or hate him, Tiger always respected the game. He knows its history and people, its standing in sports and the world. He always knew what golf did for him personally.”"

Some golfers have been accused of recreational drug use as well and even sometimes during their rounds! Robert Garrigus told Golf Digest back in 2011, “”Oh yeah, there were plenty of guys on the Nationwide Tour who smoked in the middle of the round…You could go in the Porta John and take your drags.”

More from Pro Golf Now

We all know about Dustin Johnson’s alleged cocaine use as well. DJ missed 11 weeks on TOUR in 2012 after “injuring his back moving a Jet Ski.” More recently in 2014, Johnson missed six months due to a “voluntary leave.” Many speculate he was actually suspended during these lengthy spans for violating the league’s drug policy with the booger sugar.

The reason there have only been three known suspensions on the PGA TOUR for drug/PED use is because of the TOUR’s attempt to keep their image so clean.

The PGA TOUR can get away with being a non-profit organization because each of their tournaments is considered a charity event. In doing so, they are making A LOT of money. According to an Outside the Lines report, the TOUR has avoided paying over $200 million in taxes in the last 10 to 20 years.

If the TOUR were to actually release the details of golfers being suspended for recreational drug use or PEDs, then that could scare away sponsors. Losing sponsors means losing money for this non-profit and that’s not something they can afford to happen.