Goosen slams mate Player, By: Paul Kent

July 21, 2007

RETIEF Goosen has joined the chorus of calls condemning South African legend Gary Player for his comments that golf has a drug problem.

Goosen, the world No. 3 and a close friend of Player, said he was shocked at his countryman's allegation that up to 10 players were using performance-enhancing drugs on the tour.

Player is under increasing pressure to reveal the source behind the allegations that players were using drugs and the names of those players.

Each player who walks off the 18th green at the US Open at Carnoustie is questioned about Player's allegation and all have pleaded ignorance.

"I'm actually very shocked at his comments, really, to be honest," Goosen said.

"I don't know what Gary was trying to prove, saying what he said. Who knows, in the days he was playing we could have said there was 10 guys using steroids.

"It was around in those days. I don't know why he said that. I don't know if he is trying to damage the sport, damage golf.

"I don't know what he was trying to do. I feel, who knows, if people start taking drugs out there, if we want to confirm that, let's do drug-testing.

"He mustn't come and say, 'I know of 10 guys taking drugs', and he can't say what it is. So he might as well not have said anything."

While most players have readily admitted to seeing players use painkillers -- which are not on the World Anti-Doping Authority's banned list -- none have confirmed Player's allegations.

Player said he was told human growth hormone and steroids were among the illegal drugs being used on the tour.

Goosen stopped short of saying Player's comments had tainted the game. "I don't think so. I think until the day somebody gets caught, then it might be a problem," Goosen said.

"But I think the players will have forgotten about it already."

Like most on the tour, Goosen has called on Player to name those involved.

"If he wants to come and make these comments, why doesn't he name them?" Goosen said.

"He mustn't make these half comments. I mean, I respect Gary Player, he is good friend of mine and we get along very well, but I don't know what he was trying to prove by making the comments."