Player in potshot at Alliss

Anyone expecting the much-decorated South African to be contrite after his sensational claims against drugs stole Open headlines last week would be much mistaken.

Scroll down to read more:

It was Alliss who was in his sights, after the 'Voice of Golf' broadcast the widely held view that the 71-year-old Player should have named names, rather than make general allegations that slurred everyone.

"He goes on about the fact that I am 71 like I am in my grave," fumed Player. "I could say something about a 76-year-old man who should be au fait with what's happening in the game. He has no idea what is going on."

Why didn't he name names? "I had a conversation with a player who told me he was taking human growth hormone and asked for my advice," explained Player.

"I told him he should not take it. Am I going to mention names said in confidence? The media would crucify these guys, perhaps justly so."

To be fair to Alliss, it should be pointed out that if he doesn't know what he is talking about on the subject of drugs, he is not alone.

The top players at Carnoustie last week were not only outraged at Player's scattergun allegations but also genuinely mystified.

The matter should be laid to rest one way or the other next year, when drugs testing is introduced on the European Tour, with the U.S. Tour expected to follow suit.

Player, meanwhile, competing in the Senior British Open at Muirfield, shot a one-over-par 72 in yesterday's first round.