PGA

• Barron is first golfer to fail doping test

  
  

  Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Doug Barron became the first golfer to violate the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy, it was announced Monday.

  Barron was issued a one-year suspension that began immediately after the failed test.

  "I would like to apologize for any negative perception of the tour or its players resulting from my suspension," Barron said in a statement issued by the PGA Tour. "I want my fellow tour members and the fans to know that I did not intend to gain an unfair competitive advantage or enhance my performance while on tour." The PGA Tour said it would have no further comment at this time and it was not immediately clear when Barron had failed the test.

  Testing began on the PGA Tour in July 2008 as part of an anti-doping policy supported by golf organizations worldwide.

  The testing, which is administered by the National Center for Drug Free Sport, is done virtually every week of the season. Samples are analyzed by World Anti-Doping Agency laboratories.

  Barron, 40, missed the cut in his only start on the PGA Tour this season at the St.

  Jude Classic in June. He also played four times on the Nationwide Tour, missing three cuts while being disqualified once.

  His last start came at the Nationwide Tour's Mexico Open in September.

  11/02 16:51:31 ET