NOTEBOOK From the British Open

Change coming: Drug testing will make its way to golf for the first time at the World Amateur Team championship at Stellenbosch, South Africa on Oct. 22-29. "We don't think at the moment that there is much use of performance-enhancing drugs in golf," said Peter Dawson, the chief executive of Royal & amp; Ancient, which runs the oldest of golf's four major tournaments. "We are, if you like, cutting our teeth on making sure that we can administer that properly," said Dawson, adding the tests would be a good first step toward developing an effective doping system. "It's a rehearsal. I don't know when you're going to see drug testing in professional golf around the world, but we would support it." On the PGA Tour, there's a definite divide between those who want the top pros tested and those who say it would be a waste of time, money and effort. "We're self-policing out here," Funk said. "You're either good enough or you're not good enough. I don't think drugs will help you get better." But mindful of the scandals that have bedeviled baseball, cycling and track, Tom Pernice Jr. said he believes golf needs to send a clear signal that performance-enhancement drugs won't be tolerated. He said a detailed testing program, complete with a list of banned substances, is the only way to deliver that message. "I think so, for the future of the sport more so than what's going on today," Pernice said. "We need to do it for the college and high-school kids."
Making peace: For those hoping to see a heavyweight fight on the first tee today at the British Open, they'll have to settle for golf. The tabloids have been buzzing all week about Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo playing together the first two rounds, fueled by Woods' comments Tuesday that he would be surprised if Faldo wanted to talk. But there was talk and a handshake Wednesday afternoon on the practice range. According to photographers who were across the street on the range, Faldo and Woods chatted briefly, then shook hands. Faldo later circled behind him and spoke with swing coach Hank Haney as Woods continued to hit balls. The frosty relationship stems from Faldo making critical comments, which eventually made their way back to the Woods' camp, of a bad swing by Woods at the 2005 Buick Invitational. One tabloid noted they had not spoken a word since that tournament. Then again, Woods and Faldo are so far removed from each other that they might not have seen each other in 18 months.
Fabulous John: John Daly swapped his driver for a guitar, playing at the famous Cavern venue that helped start the Beatles on their rocket path to stardom. Taking time off from his British Open preparations, the 1995 champion received warm applause for his rendition Tuesday night of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and "Lost Soul," a song he wrote himself. "I was a little bit nervous considering all the great bands that have played here," he said. "But I know I am not that good, so it took the edge off. I'll be more nervous at Hoylake when the tournament starts." Daly will play Thursday with Colin Montgomerie and Stuart Appleby.
Associated Press