Sport

McIlroy hits out at golf drug testing

08:15 am on 13 July 2016

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy says golf must improve its drug-testing regime as he could "get away with" doping as it stands.

Rory McIlroy. Photo: Photosport

The most recent report from the World Anti-Doping Agency revealed 507 tests were carried out on golfers in 2014, with eight testing positive.

"I've been tested once this year but it was only a urine test," said the Northern Irish world number four.

"You can't really pick up HGH (human growth hormone) in a urine test, so I could use HGH and get away with it."

The 27-year-old added: "If golf is in the Olympics it needs to improve the drug testing.

"On average, we get tested four or five times a year. It's very little compared to other Olympic sports."

WADA carried out 283,304 tests worldwide, with banned substances found in more than 3,800 samples.

It told BBC Sport more than 10% of elite athletes could be using performance-enhancing drugs.

Speaking in the build-up to the British Open Championship at Royal Troon, McIlroy added: "Drug testing in golf is some way behind the other sports - but I don't think there are drugs that can make you better across the board.

"There are drugs that can make you stronger and make you concentrate more, but not that can make you a better all-round golfer, as far as I am aware."

The Open begins on Thursday night, and McIlroy has been paired in his first round alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Bubba Watson.

-BBC