Press Release

For Immediate Release February 8, 2005

Western Golf Alliance formally announces performance drug policy

Guidelines address use of steroids, HGH, other banned substances

LAS VEGAS. The Western Golf Alliance today formally notified club members of new drug policies related to all official golf events, as approved by the Board of Directors. In line with all other legitimate sports organizations, the WGA has expressly banned substances that artificially improve human performance.

"We take our charter to uphold the standards and traditions of golf very, very seriously," said Peter McGarry, WGA president, speaking from Caesars Palace during the Board of Directors annual winter meeting. "As a premier golf organization, it is important to make it clear that performance enhancing drugs have no place in golf."

"This is also for the health of our members, and the legitimacy of our events," added Brian Gray, Competition Committee chairman. "We want to make sure that all tournaments are played on a level field, with all participants having an equal chance to compete without needing to jeopardize their long-term health."

"Fans have a right to know that their heroes aren't cheating at this great game of golf. Any sports league that buries its head in the sand and refuses to address this issue is simply an illegitimate farce" McGarry added.

The drug policy bans those substances that have been deemed either illegal to traffic or require a doctor's prescription to take, and which have been classified as performance enhancers by the pharmaceutical industry. While over 40 substances are on the list, most notable on the list are multiple natural and synthetic steroids, and human growth hormone.

Members unanimously expressed support for the new policies. "I don't want to have to worry about putting anything stronger than Budweiser into my body in order to crank out massive drives," said John Peppler, expressing the consensus opinion of the members.

The drug policies and associated testing program will be in full effect for the 2005 WGA golf season.

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About the Western Golf Alliance: The Western Golf Alliance is the premier golf organization in the United States. The WGA exists to further the greatness of this grand sport of golf through the improvement of golf play by its members, the promotion of golf rules, etiquette, and tradition, and the ability to gather together from time to time for golf events and tournaments. The regional organization spans five western states, and is organized into nine geographic regions. Further information is available at http://www.westerngolf.org/.

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