IGF and ITA Extend Anti-Doping Partnership

Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Golf Federation (IGF) and the International Testing Agency (ITA) have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, extending their collaboration on anti-doping initiatives until 2028.

This extension underscores the unwavering commitment of both organisations to protecting the integrity of golf and ensuring a level playing field for athletes worldwide.

The renewed agreement builds on the successful co-operation established in 2022, when the IGF entrusted the ITA with the full management of its anti-doping programme.

Under the extended agreement, the ITA will continue to oversee all aspects of anti-doping operations for IGF-sanctioned events, including:

·       Testing Activities: Comprehensive in and out-of-competition testing based on sport-specific risk assessments and tailored test distribution planning.

·       Athlete Monitoring: Administration of the Testing Pool and Registered Testing Pool (TP/RTP), athlete whereabouts, and management of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

·       Results Management: Handling potential anti-doping rule violations and failures of whereabouts on behalf of the IGF.

·       Intelligence & Investigations: Managing reports through the ITA’s confidential platform, REVEAL, and implementing long-term sample storage and re-analysis strategies.

The IGF Anti-Doping Programme, certified under ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 27001 (Information Security), benefits from ITA’s extensive network of over 75 International Federation partners, gaining synergies, economies of scale, and access to specialised tools and expertise.

Education remains a cornerstone of this partnership. The ITA will continue to design and deliver anti-doping education programmes for IGF athletes and support personnel, in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standard for Education (ISE).

Customised event-based education activities will also be provided at IGF international events.

Additionally, the ITA’s Regulatory Compliance Unit will ensure that all elements of the IGF anti-doping programme remain fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and related standards, offering guidance and support for audits and corrective actions.

IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon said: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration with the ITA through 2028. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fair play and the highest standards of integrity in golf. With ITA’s expertise, we can continue to protect our athletes and uphold the values of our sport across all IGF international events worldwide.”

ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen added: “Long-term credibility in anti-doping is built through consistency, independence, and the ability to apply the rules in the same way, every time.

“Extending this collaboration allows the IGF to rely on a fully integrated anti-doping framework – from intelligence and testing to education and results management – that is designed to evolve with the sport and its risk profile. We look forward to continuing this work through 2028, with the same focus on rigour, transparency, and athlete trust.”

The ITA has previously supported golf during major competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games and the Olympic Games, and will continue to do so throughout the next Olympic cycle.