By IANS
London : Golfing legend Gary Player Wednesday claimed some players are taking performance-enhancing drugs to boost their game and wants random testing brought in as soon as possible.
"I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it," the South African, who won nine majors in his career told the BBC.
"I would say there are 10 guys taking something. I might be way out. It's definitely not going to be lower, it might be a hell of a lot more."
Player, 71, says two players have told him personally they are taking drugs.
He refused to name them but said he could see a big physical change in one of those he had spoken to.
"One guy told me – and I took an oath prior to him telling me – but he told me what he did and I could see this massive change in him," said Player.
"And somebody else told me something I also promised I wouldn't tell, that verified others had done it."
Golf is in the process of formulating a drug-testing policy as it attempts to fall in line with other sports.
The US PGA Tour is drawing up a list of prohibited substances while the European Tour says it plans to have a drugs policy in place by January 2008.
The LPGA Tour has also said it will start drug testing in 2008.
Asked if he thought drug testing was needed in golf, Player responded: "It is absolutely essential."
He also warned that performance-enhancing drugs were a real threat to the game.
"We're dreaming if we think it is not going to come into golf," said the three-times British Open champion.
But world number one Tiger Woods, who has also come out in favour of drug- testing, was asked Tuesday if he would be surprised if a golfer tested positive.
"If anything, probably out here it would be testing positive for maybe being hung over a little bit," he said.
"But that's about it. I know some guys have taken Medrol packs for inflammation in their wrists, but, other than that, I really don't see anybody doing anything, or heard anybody doing anything."