PEDs and Amateurs

[Patch]

Since pro golf has a prohibited drug list, should that list also be used against amateurs who carry a handicap? 

Obviously there is not many  ways to force testing in the amateur ranks. My guess is more than few weekend warriors play with some kind of drugs in their system. 

Myself, I know I can play some pretty relaxed golf after few beers. 

[nevets88]

If caffeine is on the list, I'm toast. 

[mchepp]

Most of these PEDs are related to workout recovery. So they can work out again the next day or later that day. Since most of us hacks don't work out all that often it doesn't really help us all that much.

When someone sells a pill that gives you 10 more yards, I'm in.

[treebound]

There have been reports in the running and cycling world where amateur competitors have been penalized and even banned from some competitions. The U.S. and international controlling agencies have openly stated, from what I've read, that they will go after amateurs. But with golfing being so low on the PED and other drug abuse radar I would be surprised if there are surprise testings at tournaments. YMMV

I'm no expert, this is all just my understanding.

 

[Lihu]

3 hours ago, Patch said:

Since pro golf has a prohibited drug list, should that list also be used against amateurs who carry a handicap? 

Obviously there is not many  ways to force testing in the amateur ranks. My guess is more than few weekend warriors play with some kind of drugs in their system. 

Myself, I know I can play some pretty relaxed golf after few beers. 

Then they're PEDs, since they enhance your performance. Not sure about alcohol being defined as a drug or not though.

Unfortunately, many people take all kinds of drugs just to stay alive etc. Not sure it would sit well in the senior community whom are a good majority of golfers.

Plus, if someone needs performance enhancing drugs just to maintain their handicap, I would say the chances of them sand bagging are pretty low anyway.

[Psyber]

Eh, it would be low on my list of concerns. I watch string beans blow it past juice heads at the range all the time. It doesn't give you the same advantage as it does in a contact sport. Now at the pro level where the skill is about even and then you add PEDs that is a different story. In the amateur ranks I couldn't care less. 

[ev780]

17 hours ago, treebound said:

There have been reports in the running and cycling world where amateur competitors have been penalized and even banned from some competitions. The U.S. and international controlling agencies have openly stated, from what I've read, that they will go after amateurs. But with golfing being so low on the PED and other drug abuse radar I would be surprised if there are surprise testings at tournaments. YMMV

I'm no expert, this is all just my understanding.

 

There has to be a consent signed somewhere if they want any bodily fluids. Pros do that but I certainly have not. 

And I seriously doubt that USADA and or WADA give a flying fig about any amateur golfers. There is just no money involved. Thus no issue.

[Psyber]

42 minutes ago, ev780 said:

There has to be a consent signed somewhere if they want any bodily fluids. Pros do that but I certainly have not. 

And I seriously doubt that USADA and or WADA give a flying fig about any amateur golfers. There is just no money involved. Thus no issue.

Would it bother you if an amateur you were in a money game with was using PEDs?

[Lihu]

11 minutes ago, Psyber said:

Would it bother you if an amateur you were in a money game with was using PEDs?

Not really, if one of my playing partners suddenly gained 20 yards off the tee I might suspect something is going on, but it wouldn't bother me.

[Elmer]

21 hours ago, Patch said:

Since pro golf has a prohibited drug list, should that list also be used against amateurs who carry a handicap? 

Obviously there is not many  ways to force testing in the amateur ranks. My guess is more than few weekend warriors play with some kind of drugs in their system. 

Myself, I know I can play some pretty relaxed golf after few beers. 

Ditto on the beer! I also usually carry a flask of black velvet in the bag and take a nip if need be. Seems to help loosen up and get the blood flowing, especially for those of us who sit behind a desk all darn day!
I find alcohol to be a poor mans equivalent to Xanax!

It can be calming and help you tune out the jitters.
Some people smoke cigarettes, some drink. I know a few who smoke other things. But none of us are pro's or otherwise.

I would not be surprised if more golfers pro or Am's use roids. The idea of quicker recovery would be helpful to golfers who are walking 72 holes over 4 days.
I walk 9-18 on 1 day and parts of me are barking the next day. 

Edited March 9, 2016 by Elmer

[DrvFrShow]

Weed is on the list, so all you tokers better take note.

Also, propranolol is on the list as well because it can steady your hands while putting. 

High level amateurs and college athletes are subject to drug testing and have to be familiar with all drugs on the WADA list. The USGA, PGA and LPGA are members. 

But no one is going to do any drug testing in your club league or at any level below regional level amateur championship. And I seriously doubt they'll test anyone who just carded a career best 85.

[Lihu]

12 minutes ago, DrvFrShow said:

But no one is going to do any drug testing in your club league or at any level below regional level amateur championship. And I seriously doubt they'll test anyone who just carded a career best 85.

Yes true, and I almost spat out my tea reading this.

[ev780]

19 hours ago, Psyber said:

Would it bother you if an amateur you were in a money game with was using PEDs?

No.

Me losing a $10 Nassau is not going to make me give a $hit one way or the other.

Edited March 10, 2016 by ev780