Is it time to test for steroids on the PGA Tour?, By: Mike Henry
I'm as sick and tired of reading about steroids as the next guy.
But the subject isn't going away.
It came up during Paul Azinger's news conference at Southern Hills to announce his assistant captains for the 2008 Ryder Cup. A questioner broached it ever-so-delicately: "Do you think we'll be at the stage next year where players will have to pee into a cup before they hit their first tee shot?"
Used to be, brute strength rarely factors into championship-level golf. In the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Corey Pavin - a 5-foot-9, 155-pound superior shot-maker - dusted Greg Norman, just as a willowy Azinger had in the 1993 PGA Championship at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
Then Tiger arrived. At 21, he broke the Masters scoring record held by Jack Nicklaus and Raymond Floyd, playing the final 63 holes in a ridiculous 22 under par.
Recognizing a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, the green coats reacted logically - by "Tiger-proofing" Augusta National over the years, from its former 6,925 yards to the current length of 7,445. Other courses followed suit.
So if you believe some professional golfers use steroids, human growth hormone and the like, the reason seems obvious: length matters.
I suspect Azinger is correct in saying, "I don't think performance-enhancing drugs are a huge issue at this level, and I think it's more of a knee-jerk reaction as to what's gone on in other sports."
Yet I also believe nine-time major champion Gary Player, who told reporters at the British Open he knows of a player who chose to bulk up unnaturally. Player advocates random drug testing; Azinger said he won't be surprised if a policy is soon implemented on tour.
"We've probably come to that time in American society and just sports in general where something needs to be done," Azinger said.
News item: Obscure Italian mini-tour golfer Alessandro Pissilli has been suspended for failing a drug test.
Personally, I've always felt uncomfortable preaching to others what they can and can't put in their bodies. Yet as a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, the cloud of suspicion hanging over Barry Bonds made me think.
About former NFL lineman Lyle Alzado, who admitted to steroid use shortly before his death at 43.
About students at a Pinellas County high school joking their star linebacker flew into " 'roid rages" - in 1989.
About professional wrestler Chris Benoit, found to have an elevated level of testosterone in his system after he, his wife and their 7-year-old son were discovered dead this summer.
About heroes (mine are quarterback Kurt Warner and golfer Lorena Ochoa, but that's a story for another day), and kids' desire to emulate them.
Golfers have always policed themselves on the course, but that doesn't mean some haven't gotten away with cheating. In the current climate, no sports organization can profess to be pure unless the most stringent safeguards are in place.
Get the little bottles ready.
