Mark Hensby reacts to drug test violation ban

Mark Hensby has claimed he was "unable to complete the urine test" when asked to do prior to the opening round of the Sanderson Farms Championship in October, but missing it resulted in a one-year ban for the 46-year-old Australian Tour Player.

Hensby has released a statement explaining how he was prepared to give a blood sample but was then informed that the test would be for urine, not blood.

"I had just urinated on the eighth hole, my 17th hole that day, and knew that I was probably unable to complete the urine test for at least a couple more hours," said Hensby.

"I told this gentleman that I would complete the test in the morning prior to my early morning tee time. Another gentleman nearby told me that 'they have no authority to require me to stay.' Thus, I left."

Hensby went on to explain that he subsequently received multiple calls and texts from PGA Tour officials inquiring as to why he left without providing a sample and requesting that he return to the course.

"I showed poor judgement in not responding," said Hensby, who was then disqualified from the tournament where he started with a round of 78.

"Again, I made a terrible decision to not stay around that evening to take the urine test," he added.

"Obviously in hindsight I should have been more patient, more rational and taken the test. Call me stupid, but don't call me a cheater. I love the game. I love the integrity that it represents, and I would never compromise the values and qualities that the game deserves."

It won't be any comfort for Hensby, who will now have to sit it out for a whole year, which can't be good at this stage of his career. But it does show that the drug testing is now properly on the agenda, and that the Tour is prepared to show some teeth.

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Mark Hensby gets one-year ban for drugs testing violation