"I could beat the majority of the world's 40-yearolds in a fitness contest," the South African says without a trace of facetiousness.
It's a claim, given Player's longevity and trim physique, you'd be foolish to dispute. Just hours after stepping off a flight from Johannesburg, a peppy and at times fiery Player explained why he disclosed (sort of) his knowledge of steroids in golf, why he continues to compete in the Masters, and how Mike Weir made Player look wise beyond his years.
Golf Magazine: We'll get to the Masters, but first let's discuss your steroid claims. At last year's British Open, you said that at least one pro golfer, who you wouldn't name, admitted to you that he used performance-enhancing drugs. Retief Goosen then said, "I don't know what Gary Player's trying to prove by making these comments." What were you trying to prove?
Gary Player: I'm trying to make sure golf stays a clean sport. Because in most other sports (performance-enhancing drug use) is so prevalent. You see it happening in track and field, the Tour de France, in baseball.
I did not go into the press tent to talk about it. But the question was put to me: "Was I pleased that the World Golf Foundation was going to come out with a drug-testing program?" And I said, "I'm very happy about that." And then they said, "Well, do you know of anybody who takes (performance-enhancing drugs)?" And I said, "Yes." I told the truth. I think that's what people want you to do — tell the truth.
I had two (players) come to me and say, "We'd like to discuss this with you, but will you give us your solemn word that you would never discuss it with anybody?" And I said, "Yes, I give you my word." And they said, "We've tried these growth hormones. What do you think?" And I said, "I think you shouldn't. It can only do you harm. There are athletes dying all around the world. Don't you dare try any of this until we know more about it."
You'll never part with the names?
No — imagine me turning around and giving up the names. Those guys would be crucified for the rest of their lives.
Are they household names?
I would never even give you a hint because I'd be going against my word. This is what Retief didn't understand (when he said Player should not make accusations without naming names), and understandably. He didn't have the true story. There's a lot of naivete among athletes today, and particularly among golfers.
A (medical) professor in Phoenix told me about one guy who was on his way to Qualifying School, and that he was such a bunch of nerves that he couldn't play at all. This professor gave him betablockers and he went out and finished sixth.
People are being naive by not recognizing this. I was able to contribute to golf by publicizing this, and Dick Pound (head of the World Anti-Doping Agency) praised me for it.
