PONTE VEDRA BEACH (Florida), Sept 20: Golf finally joined other major sports on Thursday when its leading organisations announced an anti-doping policy that will begin in 2008.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who also serves as chairman of the World Golf Foundation, said the policy includes a list of banned substances and methods for each golf organisation to carry them out.

The list of banned substances includes anabolic agents, hormones, stimulants, narcotics, beta blockers and masking agents. The policy would be coordinated around the world.

If a player is disciplined for violating the policy, such as suspension, it would be recognised by tours wherever he plays.—AP