Gary Player on drugs in golf

[villa]

I don't know what to make of this

South African great Gary Player claims he is certain there are players taking drugs.

There are plans for dope testing to be introduced on tours around the world next season and Player, in Carnoustie this week to see the Open Championship's return to the course on which he won in 1968, made it clear he thinks it cannot come soon enough.

Asked if he would be surprised by any positive findings the 71-year-old commented: "No, it would not surprise me because I know - I know for a fact - that there are golfers, whether it's HGH (human growth hormone), creatine or steroids, that some golfers are doing it."

He added: "And the greatest thing that the R&A (Royal and Ancient Club, organisers of the Open and golf's ruling body outside of America and Mexico), the USGA (United States Golf Association) and the PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) can do is have tests at random.

"It's absolutely essential that we do that. We're dreaming if we think it's not going to come into golf. You look at these rugby teams today - and I followed rugby all my life - it's so obvious it's happening.

"It would be interesting what percentage of athletes, men and women, in the world are using one of those three enhancements. I think 40%. I've changed my mind overnight. I think it's almost 50 to 60%. I'm not saying golfers, I'm saying just across the board with all sports."

Asked what he thought the number was in golf, Player replied: "Well, I'd be guessing, I'd be guessing. You want me to take a guess?

"I would say of golfers around the world playing on tour I would say there's 10 guys taking something. I might be way out - definitely not going to be lower, but might be a hell of a lot more. And I'm delighted to see that they're going to start having tests at random, if that's what they officially have decided."

Questioned on how we knew "for a fact" that there are drug cheats in golf the three-time Open champion said: "Because one guy told me. One guy told me and I took an oath prior to him telling me and he told me and I won't tell you where, but he told me what he did and I could see this massive change in him.

"And then somebody else told me something that I also promised I wouldn't tell that verified others had done it."

[onkelbenz]

Reading the title I thought he was on drugs... :cheesy:

 

Well I guess if he knows something he has a point there. I wonder who the guy is who he even saw a change in?!

OB

[villa]

Reading the title I thought he was on drugs... :cheesy:

 

Well I guess if he knows something he has a point there. I wonder who the guy is who he even saw a change in?!

OB

Lol, It wasn't meant to read that way mate.

 

Not sure about the players but who knows what's going to come out in the future.

[Mekeni]

Thats what I thought too.. I was like that poor geezer.. :cheesy:

[mat562]

Is it just me, or does Gary Player seen intent on courting controversy at every turn?

 

If he's not busy attributing Tom Watson's success to the illegal grooves on his clubs he's whinging on about this latest 'revelation.' No doubt he spent a large part of the press conference telling everyone how he still does five thousand situps before breakfast every day and that he can still play as well as he ever could...

 

'I shot 85, but that was only due to two bad shots. I played magnificently today....'

 

Gary. We all know you're fit for your age; but stop going on and on about it. And how you've flown more miles than any other professional golfer. And how you've got the best horse in the world at your ranch and you can still wear a pair of trousers from the 1970s.... It's just really, really boring Gary.

 

Anyone who looks like being a comparably good bunker player is immediately shot down by Mr Player who will tell us all that it's all due to 60-degree wedges and square grooves... 'I never had that technology when I was playing' etc. etc.

 

There's another, similar post on this subject, where I (and a few others) have had a mini-rant. A Gary Player soundbite is more of a concern to me than some unknown golfer using creatine or something similar.

 

I would go on, but I'm nodding off just talking about him.

[mozgolf]

Is it just me, or does Gary Player seen intent on courting controversy at every turn?

 

If he's not busy attributing Tom Watson's success to the illegal grooves on his clubs he's whinging on about this latest 'revelation.' No doubt he spent a large part of the press conference telling everyone how he still does five thousand situps before breakfast every day and that he can still play as well as he ever could...

 

'I shot 85, but that was only due to two bad shots. I played magnificently today....'

 

Gary. We all know you're fit for your age; but stop going on and on about it. And how you've flown more miles than any other professional golfer. And how you've got the best horse in the world at your ranch and you can still wear a pair of trousers from the 1970s.... It's just really, really boring Gary.

 

Anyone who looks like being a comparably good bunker player is immediately shot down by Mr Player who will tell us all that it's all due to 60-degree wedges and square grooves... 'I never had that technology when I was playing' etc. etc.

 

There's another, similar post on this subject, where I (and a few others) have had a mini-rant. A Gary Player soundbite is more of a concern to me than some unknown golfer using creatine or something similar.

 

I would go on, but I'm nodding off just talking about him.

 

exactly... ...............

[mcbush25]

My thoughts on this are in a previous thread.

 

Check here:

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...103893&st=0

[irish]

Is it just me, or does Gary Player seen intent on courting controversy at every turn?

 

If he's not busy attributing Tom Watson's success to the illegal grooves on his clubs he's whinging on about this latest 'revelation.' No doubt he spent a large part of the press conference telling everyone how he still does five thousand situps before breakfast every day and that he can still play as well as he ever could...

 

'I shot 85, but that was only due to two bad shots. I played magnificently today....'

 

Gary. We all know you're fit for your age; but stop going on and on about it. And how you've flown more miles than any other professional golfer. And how you've got the best horse in the world at your ranch and you can still wear a pair of trousers from the 1970s.... It's just really, really boring Gary.

 

Anyone who looks like being a comparably good bunker player is immediately shot down by Mr Player who will tell us all that it's all due to 60-degree wedges and square grooves... 'I never had that technology when I was playing' etc. etc.

 

There's another, similar post on this subject, where I (and a few others) have had a mini-rant. A Gary Player soundbite is more of a concern to me than some unknown golfer using creatine or something similar.

 

I would go on, but I'm nodding off just talking about him.

 

 

Player is a goon. Go spout your rubbish somewhere else. You puppet and fool

[villa]

Is it just me, or does Gary Player seen intent on courting controversy at every turn?

 

If he's not busy attributing Tom Watson's success to the illegal grooves on his clubs he's whinging on about this latest 'revelation.' No doubt he spent a large part of the press conference telling everyone how he still does five thousand situps before breakfast every day and that he can still play as well as he ever could...

 

'I shot 85, but that was only due to two bad shots. I played magnificently today....'

 

Gary. We all know you're fit for your age; but stop going on and on about it. And how you've flown more miles than any other professional golfer. And how you've got the best horse in the world at your ranch and you can still wear a pair of trousers from the 1970s.... It's just really, really boring Gary.

 

Anyone who looks like being a comparably good bunker player is immediately shot down by Mr Player who will tell us all that it's all due to 60-degree wedges and square grooves... 'I never had that technology when I was playing' etc. etc.

 

There's another, similar post on this subject, where I (and a few others) have had a mini-rant. A Gary Player soundbite is more of a concern to me than some unknown golfer using creatine or something similar.

 

I would go on, but I'm nodding off just talking about him.

 

exactly... ...............

You missed how he used to travel around the world with his wife, their 56 children, all their luggage and his clubs and they all used to sleep in a tiny motel room.

 

The guy has more talent than I have in my little finger but i've never been a big fan.

 

Don't understand why he's said this now. Is he trying to sabotage the Open or has he got something to sell and he's looking for the publicity?

 

My thoughts on this are in a previous thread.

 

Check here:

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...103893&st=0

Cheers mate.

 

I didn't find anything when I initially searched.

 

If the mods want to delete this to save two threads talking about the same thing, feel free.

[GoingLow]

Absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are professional golfers taking performance enhancing drugs......PGA and R&A doing a huge dis-service to the game by not testing in my opinion.

[mat562]

I agree with you mate.

 

Immensely talented and could probably still beat me now.

 

I've always just had an aversion to him and I don't know why. Tom Watson and Nicklaus were both model professionals to me. Arnold Palmer was a more flamboyant, but still likeable figure.

 

Gary Player always struck me as being a bit like the annoying kid at school who always had two of what you'd got or did the same as you did but better/faster/first etc.

 

When you see Tom Watson interviewed, it's insightful and gracious and you feel like you've had an audience with someone who is a gentleman and who appreciates the fact that people are interested in him and what he has to say.

 

After a Gary Player interview, I feel like I've had a telling-off from my dad.

[laseranimal]

first off Player grousing isn't any different from Jack saying "I could have had more majors if I'd spent less time with my family"

 

The same thing happens in all sports to the "older generation" they look at the current guys with the new technology and workout routines and think about how good they would have been if THEY had had it.

 

Imagine how much better Wilt, Cousey, and West could have been with the strength conditioning routines they have today. Imagine Hogan and Jones with graphite shafts and 460cc heads. Think about football, theres NO way the Green Bay Packers of lore would come close to beating the Oakland Raiders of today.

 

And I'm not surprised at all that there are people in golf taking steroids. We rip Barry Bonds and question Roger Clemens for their amazing performance after age 35 but we say absolutely nothing about VJ being such a bomber into his 40's?

 

Come on guys, with all the money on the table there are guys that are going to cheat its just inevitable

[NikeSlingshot06]

I think if you look at like paul azinger did on todays open coverage you should get the general idea of my opinion

[Konklifer]

I think if you look at like paul azinger did on todays open coverage you should get the general idea of my opinion

 

What did he do?

[ColinMB]

One thing that just annoys me generally speaking about all of this....

 

Why is it always the 'old guard' trying to police the new guard? Back in their day, did they have the Hogans out there waving a pointy object on the course at them yelling, 'If I had wooden shafts, I'd still beat all you young whipper snappers!'

 

To me it cheapens their image. Even for me to listen to Jack complain about ball technology over, and over, and over again.... uhg. I get it, you shot a rock wrapped in snot and tooth picks. (BTW: Golf Digest (I think) did a -very- interesting test on new balls and new drivers vs old balls and old drivers... the results pretty much debunk ball debates).

 

But I'm getting off topic. Personally, I think random drug testing is a good idea in -any- professional sport where big money is at stake. But can you imagine being the guy who trusted Gary? Sure he won't give up the guy's name, but he's out there stirring the pot and leading the witch hunt.

[villa]

Absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are professional golfers taking performance enhancing drugs......PGA and R&A doing a huge dis-service to the game by not testing in my opinion.

I'm still not convinced. I've certainly never even heard one hint of a rumour that it happens but there's no reason for them not to test.

 

The problem is, if someone does test positive, what happens to the reputation of golf? I think all these stories are a way of giving anyone that is possibly using drugs, a bit of a heads up before the testing starts.

 

I agree with you mate.

 

Immensely talented and could probably still beat me now.

 

I've always just had an aversion to him and I don't know why. Tom Watson and Nicklaus were both model professionals to me. Arnold Palmer was a more flamboyant, but still likeable figure.

 

Gary Player always struck me as being a bit like the annoying kid at school who always had two of what you'd got or did the same as you did but better/faster/first etc.

 

When you see Tom Watson interviewed, it's insightful and gracious and you feel like you've had an audience with someone who is a gentleman and who appreciates the fact that people are interested in him and what he has to say.

 

After a Gary Player interview, I feel like I've had a telling-off from my dad.

Couldn't have said it better.

 

He reminds me of Mac O'Grady sometimes. THINGS CHANGE GUYS GET OVER IT!

 

P.S Obviously that comment does not include the potential use of performance enhancing drugs.

[chop180]

Ok, I must be missing something here, what in the hell is illegal about creatine, it's an amino acid supplement, and I picked up some yesterday. Should I been banned for life from golf./??????????

 

I think at times Mr. Player speaks from his toothless mouth, but I also believe he has contributed greatly to society through philanthropic efforts. He was a great champion and that should not be deminished because of a few off base comments. Sure there are lots of people that don't care for his style, but every 70 year old that I have ever known seem to praise the glories and difficulties of their generations. As I'm sure we will when we reach that age.

[smithg1053]

Copy of what I wrote on a similar thread -

 

I don't think there is any harm in the invocation of a drug testing policy. I would like to see more work done around reliability of testing methodology, but that is another issue. Frankly I hope they start testing and find nothing. I don't know if players on tour are doing the roid thing, but this would answer the issue as well as could be and put an end to the furor that the press has now jumped on thanks to Gary Player's statement.

 

I think Gary Player must not have taken whatever it is he should be taking. His "announcement" cast a shadow over the Open. Personally he has always struck me as someone who really enjoys hearing himself talk. I am not trying to take anything away from the guy, he was a great player and probably has done much in promoting the game and helping fledgling players from his own country have a chance of realizing a dream...but his timing is nothing short of dismal.

 

In this instance, I think his mouth and lack of common sense got the best of him. Timing can be everything...and his was terribly off.

[glcoach]

I didn't much care for the comments, especially at a press conference. Talk to a writer one on one and let that writer do a complete story on it, but don't take away from a major championship.

 

Then again, that is Gary's style. Remember, this is the same nut job that sold all of his championship memorabilia because he wanted the money. That alone should make Player not worth listening to.

[faaaayduuur]

Gary player has been caught cheating on the golf course. He is being pretty hypicritical about guys taking drug enhancers. No different then having your caddy throw down a ball in a major.

[mat562]

I know the 'oddjob' rumour has been doing the rounds for years but I think even the most ardent Player-skeptic would have to say that it was never substantiated to any degree.

 

Only one big-name player has ever been convicted of cheating that I know of, albeit there have been numerous snipes over the years by various individuals, without anything being upheld.

 

I think that alone speaks volumes for golf and the integrity of it's professionals. Compare it to a lot of other sports...

[villa]

Gary player has been caught cheating on the golf course. He is being pretty hypicritical about guys taking drug enhancers. No different then having your caddy throw down a ball in a major.

There's a guy at my golf club who swears that's true.

[mat562]

He's not the bloke who found that Penfold Hearts on the 17th is he?

[patrickw25]

On TNT's British Open open coverage Peter Allis just said, when asked about Player's comments:

 

"He must have needed the publicity...it's just taking the stick and stirring the muddy pond for no reason, it was very stupid"

 

It actually almost sounded like he said "he's very stupid" but I couldn't be sure.

[dlefty]

To me, he's just starting to sound like a cranky old man who misses the spotlight / attention.

 

And I'm sorry, but creatine is far from a "drug", guess he'll want a ban on protein shakes next.

[SteveG]

When you're 5'3 you have a lot of reasons to be mad

[brl11]

I cant understand why tour players would want to take ''steroids'' to increase your heartrate why????I can uderstand them taking betablockers to slow it down but not to speed them up jeezz...

[earthshine]

IMHO - I think Peter Alliss' comments about Players' comments were spot on and hit the nail on the head. Player believes there no such thing as bad publicity and for some reason gets off on being a muckraker. I wish he would just say how good these guys are for once and the state of the great game of golf is right where it should be.

 

P.S. There is nothing anabolic or illegal in creatine - it's a high carbon amino acid that's used best for post workout muscle fiber repair.

[earthshine]

He's not the bloke who found that Penfold Hearts on the 17th is he?

 

:cheesy: From Goldfinger??? Very clever!!! :tongue:

[upndowninthree]

I cant understand why tour players would want to take ''steroids'' to increase your heartrate why????I can uderstand them taking betablockers to slow it down but not to speed them up jeezz...

 

Wow that is some enlightening info, thanks for that great info, I was wondering what the major effect of anabolic steroids were, now I know.