O’Grady Says Players Use Beta-Blockers

Mac O’Grady, golf’s abstract philosopher, grabbed some attention this week when he suggested that many of the top players were using beta-blockers to help with their putting.

“Of the 30 top players worldwide, I would be surprised if less than seven (are using beta-blockers),” O’Grady told the Augusta Chronicle.

Beta-blockers, available only through prescription, are given to people with high-blood pressure or anxiety. It also is used to treat some heart problems by slowing the heart rate.

It has long been suspected that shooters and archers use the drug to help steady their nerves during competition.

Even though it would not be against PGA Tour policy to use the drug, players called O’Grady’s statement ridiculous.

“I took them for several years for high blood pressure,” Nick Price said. “But there is no problem with people taking them.”

O’Grady, in conjunction with UCLA and UC Irvine, has completed a 10-year research project on the golf swing. He is at the Masters hoping to help Seve Ballesteros with his swing.