U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu Pham in Memphis ruled against Doug Barron's bid for a temporary restraining order against the PGA Tour's suspension due to failing a drug test in June.
Barron was awaiting the decision in Texas where he was planning on playing in the second stage of Q School. As a result, the suspension will carry into late 2010, which will prevent him from competing in the first stage of Q School next year. In essence, it's a two-year ban from membership unless he manages to win after sneaking into an event via Monday qualifying or a sponsor exemption in 2011. In hindsight, while this is how he makes his living, Barron will likely regret teeing it up in June while still weaning off the banned substance. According to Alex Miceli at Golfweek.com, Barron was completely off the Propranolol by the end of July. In response to the judge's decision tonight, the PGA Tour issed this brief statement: "We are pleased with the court’s decision and have no further comment at this time." Source: Golfweek.com
|