Golf’s first case of suspension due to performance-enhancing drugs
Seasoned golf player Doug Barron recently received a one-year suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The 40-year-old was the first to receive a suspension from the PGA Tour due to performance-enhancing drugs.
PGA Tour is the organization that operates the main professional golf tours in the United States. The organization is based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Barron issued a statement of apology in the November 2 PGA Tour press conference. He apologized for the negative perception to the tour and its players resulting from his suspension. According to Barron, he did not try to gain competitive advantage or enhance his performance while on tour by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Several fellow golf players were shocked with the news. British Open champion Stewart Clink said he hoped Barron’s suspension was due to the medicines the player was taking and not from any other reasons.
Under the tour’s drug policy, a player’s suspension could be announced but the substance used could not be disclosed.
The tour announced the suspension two hours before the induction ceremony of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Barron played eight full seasons on the tour. His best performance was finishing third in a tie at the Byron Nelson Championships in 2006.
From The Associated Press:
SHANGHAI — Doug Barron, a 40-year-old journeyman who lost his tour card three years ago, became the first player to be suspended by the PGA Tour for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
