(Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) -- American Doug Barron is the first golfer to violate the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy.

The 40-year-old was issued a one-year suspension.

Details were not provided on when Barron failed the test or what substance was involved.

On the PGA Tour's website, he said, quote, "I would like to apologize for any negative perception of the tour or its players resulting from my suspension.

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."

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

Tests are done by the National Center for Drug Free Sport almost every week of the season.

Barron, who turned pro in 1992, missed the cut in his only PGA start this season at the St. Jude Classic in June.

He played four times this year on the Nationwide Tour, missing three cuts while being disqualified once.

　

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