PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Golf begrudgingly joined the new world of sport Thursday when leaders from its most influential organizations signed off on an anti-doping policy with hopes of proving its players are clean.

Drug testing could begin as early as next spring, although details such as when to test and any penalties are still being worked out.

“But for the problems in other sports, I doubt we would be at this point,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a conference call with the leaders of six major golf organizations. “We are where we are given the way of the world. And I think it’s a positive day for golf because we are together (and) we are spending a lot of energy to do it right.”

It was a universal effort from the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, U.S. Golf Association, Royal & Ancient Golf Club, Augusta National Golf Club and the PGA of America, meaning the policy ultimately would cover golf at the highest level all over the world, including the four major championships.

Drug testing at the Masters likely would not start next year. Augusta National executive director Jim Armstrong said the Masters would watch what the other tours do before deciding how to proceed. Likewise, R&A; chief executive Peter Dawson said the British Open would be treated the same.