The Open 2018: Gary Player says golf will NEVER be drug-free because doping is too embedded
The nine-time Major champion lashes out as the R&A introduce blood-testing for the first time during this week's Open
GARY PLAYER has savaged golf's ruling bodies by saying the game will never be drug-free because doping is already too embedded.
This week is the first time in the Open's 147-year history that players will be blood-tested.
But Player, 82, a renowned fitness fanatic, says that is far too late because a culture of doping is already ingrained.
The South African legend sparked controversy the last time the Open was held at Carnoustie by saying he knew "for a fact" some players took performance-enhancing drugs.
And now he has reiterated those comments in a stinging attack on how the game is policed.
He said: "We have had players who have used performance-enhancing drugs. Are we ever going to be able to stop it? No.
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"There’s too much involved. That’s the world we live in."
Asked his thoughts on the R&A finally bringing in blood-testing, he added: "Why so late? We are the last of all sports to do it."
And contrary to the thoughts of many, Player said today's superstars can gain an edge by doping.
He said: "It makes you stronger. You don’t get injured so quickly, you can hit more balls and you can practice harder."
Canadian golfer Brad Fritsch was suspended in January for taking a banned weight-loss drug.
In July 2015 American Scott Stallings got a three-month ban after he admitted using a banned substance.
And in 2013 three-time Major champion Vijay Singh got a 90-day suspension after he revealed he had used deer antler spray.