Major tours agree on drug policy

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Golf begrudgingly joined the new world of sport Thursday when leaders from its most influential organizations signed off on an anti-doping policy with hopes of proving its players are clean.

Drug testing could begin as early as next spring, although details such as when to test and any penalties are still being worked out.

It was a universal effort from the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, U.S. Golf Association, Royal & Ancient Golf Club, Augusta National Golf Club and the PGA of America, meaning the policy ultimately would cover golf at the highest level all over the world, including the four major championships.

The LPGA Tour was the first to announce a drug policy in professional golf, which begins next year.

Officials released a list of 10 classes of drugs that will be banned, which range from anabolic steroids to hormones to narcotics to beta blockers. PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said HGH was on the banned list.

-- AP