Doug Barron on the Road Back to the PGA Tour

It has been nearly a year since Doug Barron became the first player publicly suspended under the PGA Tour's anti-doping program. On November 2 of last year, he was suspended for a year from Tour action for admittedly taking a shot of testosterone prior to his one Tour start last year in Memphis, then testing positive.

A lot has come out from Barron since that positive test. Much of it has been covered in our conversations with Barron directly. He admits to breaking the rules, but also has a strong health and legal case against the PGA Tour for their double denial of his Therapeutic Use Exemption requests that would allow him to live like a 40-something guy instead of a 70+ geezer-type.

The lawsuit remains in the court system. Barron, too, remains firm in his pledge to stay off of both testosterone and Beta blockers in fear of being tested again (he can be while he is suspended, at any time) and failing. He spoke about both topics - more his health than the suit - to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Barron is preparing for Q-school by practicing at home since his results on the ePro Tour were not encouraging or helpful in making progress. Simultaneously, the Tour has allowed Barron to restart the process of applying for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, though the status of that request is unknown. 

For me, I'm more curious about the lawsuit. After reading through the filings several times, Barron really does have a case against the Tour. The judge's remarks on their initial filing indicate the court shares that sentiment, too, though with some serious questions and doubts. 

On course, though, Barron faces more stifling questions. If his lawsuit fails to yield the results he wants under the Americans With Disabilities Act and/or he does not get a TUE from the Tour's anti-doping program administrator, Barron will have to find a way to maintain his chosen livelihood with a 40 year-old mind and a retiree's body. Maybe he can get an early pass to the Champions Tour.