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Jane Fader
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jfader@wghof.org

Leading Golf Organizations Come Together to Develop Anti-Doping Policy for Golf

St. Augustine, Florida (September 26, 2007) - The major governing organizations in golf today announced that they have agreed in principle to an anti-doping policy for professional golf on a global basis that will be accomplished in two phases.

The first phase of the policy, which has been completed, encompasses the development of The Model Prohibited Substance and Methods List discussed later in this statement, a copy of which is attached.

The second phase of the Policy, which is anticipated to be completed prior to the end of this year, will include general standards for all the fundamental elements of an anti-doping program for golf organizations that become signatories to the Policy, while providing flexibility for such signatories to develop specific policies and procedures necessary or appropriate for their organizations. Such standards will encompass the Model Prohibited Substance and Methods List, as well as medical waiver procedures, testing protocols, results management, penalties, sanctions and reciprocity of outcomes.

Leading golf organizations who have lent their support, leadership and cooperation for the development of the Policy as a result of their representation on the Board of Directors of the World Golf Foundation and who will, subject to approval by their governing boards, become signatories to the Policy include:

Augusta National Golf Club

European Tour

Ladies Professional Golf Association

PGA of America

PGA TOUR

The R&A for The Open Championship

United States Golf Association for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open

Other leading golf organizations who have agreed to become signatories to the Policy include:

Asian Tour

Australasian Tour

Canadian Tour

Japan Professional Golf Tour

Sunshine Tour

Tour de Las Americas

The Model Prohibited Substance and Methods List (modified as necessary for individual golf organizations) will be incorporated into the respective tournament regulations of a number of signatories to the policy, effective in 2008. Player education and outreach on the Model Prohibited Substance and Methods List is ongoing and will be given increased emphasis by the signatories of the Policy moving forward.

An Anti-Doping office of the World Golf Foundation will be created in 2008, and will, among duties, coordinate and share information with golf organizations with respect to medical waiver procedures and therapeutic use exemptions under the Policy. Disciplinary procedures and penalties for violations of the Policy will be controlled and administered by the signatories to the Policy, and disclosed to other signatory organizations for consistency and coordination purposes. Testing protocols will also be within the purview of the individual signatory organizations and will be developed and approved by each organization on an individual basis. It is anticipated that signatories who will be testing under the Policy will commence and activate their testing programs in 2008.

About the World Golf Foundation

The World Golf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Florida at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the international headquarters of The First Tee. Its board of directors includes representatives from the Augusta National Golf Club, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, USGA, The R&A, and the European Tour. PGA TOUR Commissioner Timothy W. Finchem currently serves as chairman of the board.

Established in 1994 to unite the golf industry and those that love the game, the WGF supports initiatives that promote, enhance the growth of, and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others.

The three major WGF initiatives include the World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee, and GOLF 20/20.

The World Golf Hall of Fame is the ultimate destination for the celebration and recognition of golf’s greatest players and contributors, men and women. The institution stands as an inspiration to golfers and fans throughout the world. Its annual induction ceremony honors new members each year on the grounds of the museum.

The First Tee is a junior golf and youth development program. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, The First Tee has introduced golf and its values to more than 1.5 million participants and students in 47 states and five countries.

GOLF 20/20 is a unique industry collaboration to further the industry’s knowledge, among other goals. Its mission is to align the golf industry behind a plan that addresses the future of golf in a strategic manner, with an emphasis on accelerating growth and participation, and creating new avenues of access into the game.