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Cape Town - South African legend Gary Player has backed the blood testing set to take place at the Open Championship this week, but feels the sport is unlikely to be ever be completely drug-free.
Blood testing has been introduced at Carnoustie by the R&A, following on from the PGA Tour which started testing last year.
The 82-year-old Player, a three-time Open champion, backs golf to be one of the cleanest sports in the world, but admits some players may struggle not to be tempted to use performance-enhancing drugs.
The South African is quoted as saying in an interview with The Times that he was surprised it has taken so long for the anti-doping tests to be introduced.
"Why so late? We are the last of all sports to do it," Player said.
"We have had players who have used performance-enhancing drugs. Are we ever going to be able to stop it? No. There's too much involved. That's the world we live in.
"It makes you stronger. You don't get injured so quickly, you can hit more balls and you can practice harder."
Player won nine majors during his distinguished career.
