For the first time in PGA Tour history, the powers that be are concerned about what their players are putting into their bodies. I was watching the first round coverage of the Mercedes-Benz Championship at Kapalua when Rich Lerner said that Davis Love III was not available for an interview after his round because he was randomly selected for a drug test.
Golf requires a character that understands and calls each and every rules violation on not only your playing partners but yourself while competing in a tournament. PGA Tour veteran and longtime commentator Mark Rolfing took offense to this “witch hunt” suggesting “What I don’t like about it, is at the end of the round you sign a score card saying ‘I shot 72 today’ which means you played by the rules and that’s what you shot. Why do you have to submit to a drug test? Why can’t you just sign a piece of paper saying that I didn’t take the drugs that are banned in this book?” Rolfing said.
I’m sorry Mr. Rolfing but this is 2009, and as a result the six figure paycheck does not suggest that everyone play by the rules. Faldo suggested that “It is might clean out there.” To turn a blind eye to golf being so much of a gentleman’s game that people will not do whatever it takes to get an edge is extremely nearsighted. We are in the day and age where people can’t be taken for their word and must be further scrutinized.
Just imagine some tour rookie goes out and wins the Sony Open, the Bob Hope, and the Phoenix Open. Would those questions not creep into the mind of the average viewer. Yes, Yes, and Yes. It is nice to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the Fed Ex Cup has brought it on themselves offering 10 million dollar payouts. Don’t be surprised if your favorite 300 yard driver is scene to be taking something that is illegal under the PGA Tour’s policy this year. But please be sure to test the Major Champions and not just the John Deere Classic winners.
