PGA commissioner calls for golf to develop universal drug policy

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) - Changing his stance, PGA commissioner Tim Finchem is calling on golf to come up with a universal policy to test for performance enhancing drugs.

''Golf needs to move together on a global basis,'' he said Wednesday.

Finchem has previously defended his tour's lack of a policy, suggesting it was not worth testing without any evidence that players were using performanceenhancing drugs.

But speaking before the Travelers Championship, Finchem said testing was an inevitable part of the sport's future.

Finchem said golf's tours and professional organizations should join together, recommending that the PGA, USGA, RNA and others come up with a single standard on what to test for and how.

''In Europe, in particular, and in certain other areas of the world, the idea of testing in athletics is just a reality, because it's government required,'' he said.

J.J. Henry, back in Connecticut defending his first tour win last year, said he doesn't think testing will have a big impact on the sport.

''A lot of people have talked about that integrity and honesty of golf is what makes it so special,'' he said. ''I'd like to think there's none of that going on out here, to be honest with you.''

The LPGA Tour has said it will begin testing its players for performanceenhancers in 2008.