Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, 3 June 2025 – The International Golf Federation (IGF) is pleased to announce the release and online publication of its updated Anti-Doping Handbook, now available for download on the IGF website. Developed in full alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code (2021 Edition) and the latest International Standards, this comprehensive revision reflects the IGF’s enduring commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport through education, prevention, and robust anti-doping policies.

This significant update was developed in close partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent organization specializing in delivering anti-doping programs. Through this collaboration, the IGF ensures that its policies, procedures, and educational efforts remain at the forefront of international best practices and athlete-centered approaches.

“Our partnership with the ITA enhances our ability to maintain a world-class anti-doping program,” said Antony Scanlon, IGF Executive Director. “Together, we are committed to ensuring that athletes and support personnel are educated, informed, and empowered to compete clean. The updated Anti-Doping Handbook is a key part of this mission.”

Key Updates and Features of the Handbook

The new edition of the IGF Anti-Doping Handbook offers clear, accessible guidance tailored for the global golf community. Key updates include:

• Alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code and WADA International Standards, ensuring consistency with global frameworks and legal clarity.
• Expanded Athlete Responsibilities and Rights, including Whereabouts requirements, risks of supplement use, and navigating Prohibited Lists.
• Updated Testing Protocols, reflecting modern procedures for in-competition and out-of-competition testing conducted under the oversight of the ITA.
• Detailed Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Guidelines, with specific instructions for golf athletes at IGF-sanctioned events.
• Sanction and Appeals Framework, offering transparent information on the consequences of rule violations and athletes’ rights to fair hearings.
• Integration with Educational Resources, linking to the IGF and ITA’s educational programs, webinars, and learning modules.

Partnership with the ITA: Education and Outreach

As part of its collaboration with the ITA, in addition to the information on the IGF website, IGF provides access to a wide range of ITA anti-doping education resources and online learning opportunities. Athletes, coaches, medical professionals, and National Federations are strongly encouraged to utilize the following platforms to enhance their understanding of anti-doping responsibilities:

• ITA Athlete Hub – https://ita.sport/athlete-hub
• ITA Education Webinars – https://ita.sport/ita-news/
• Clean Sport Education Resources – https://ita.sport/education

These platforms feature live and recorded webinars, e-learning courses, interactive tools, and sport-specific materials developed with expert input. They are central to the IGF’s proactive approach to anti-doping awareness and prevention.

“Through the IGF’s education program, we aim to reach every level of the golf community from elite athletes to grassroots participants,” said Antony Scanlon, IGF Executive Director. “Prevention starts with knowledge, and these tools help ensure that everyone has access to the information they need.”

Accessibility and Next Steps

The IGF Anti-Doping Handbook is now publicly available for download via the IGF website. All athletes, support personnel, team officials, and member federations are encouraged to review the document in detail and distribute it widely within their organizations.

The IGF will continue to work closely with the ITA, WADA, and its member federations to ensure the ongoing development and implementation of a clean sport environment. This includes continued testing, monitoring, investigation, and education across all levels of competition.

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Media Contacts

International Golf Federation – Communications@igfmail.org

About the IGF
The International Golf Federation (IGF) was founded in 1958 and is the recognised International Federation within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The headquarters of the IGF is located by the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IGF promotes integrity, inclusivity, and clean sport through governance, development programs, and anti-doping initiatives.

About the International Testing Agency (ITA)
The International Testing Agency (ITA) is an international organisation constituted as a not-for-profit foundation, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Its mission is to manage anti-doping programs, independent from sporting or political powers, for International Federations (IFs), Major Event Organisers (MEOs) and all other anti-doping organisations requesting support.