LIV Golf pro Suspended for doping Blast PGA TOUR

Graeme McDowell Suspended by LIV Golf for Using Banned Substance in Nasal Decongestant

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, has been suspended by the LIV Golf League for one tournament and fined $125,000 after testing positive for a banned substance. The suspension stems from McDowell’s use of a nasal decongestant containing levomethamphetamine, which was detected during a tournament held in College Grove, Tennessee, from June 21-23, as announced by the league on Sunday.

In a statement released on social media, McDowell revealed that he had been battling severe congestion that was disrupting his sleep leading up to the LIV Golf event in Nashville. In an attempt to alleviate his symptoms, McDowell used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant, unaware that it contained a substance prohibited by the league’s strict anti-doping policy.

“Before LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell explained in his statement. “To manage it, I used an over-the-counter Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list. As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to do this due to the over-the-counter nature of the medicine, and I deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

McDowell, who became the first golfer to be sanctioned under LIV Golf’s anti-doping rules, expressed his respect for the rigorous enforcement of the policy. Despite the challenges of the situation, he acknowledged the importance of such rules in maintaining the integrity of the sport.

“LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent,” McDowell continued. “Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me. However, I respect the need for these rules and penalties—they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.”

As a result of the suspension, McDowell will miss the upcoming LIV Golf tournament at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The league has not yet announced who will replace him in the field. McDowell will be eligible to return to competition at the next event in Bolingbrook, Illinois, scheduled for September 13-15.

During the LIV Golf Nashville event, McDowell finished tied for 42nd in the 54-player field with a score of 1-under par, 18 strokes behind individual winner Tyrrell Hatton. His team, Smash GC, captained by Brooks Koepka, placed 12th out of 13 teams in the competition. Following McDowell’s suspension, both he and Smash GC will be disqualified from the tournament, and their points and prize money will be retroactively adjusted.

This incident marks a significant moment in LIV Golf’s enforcement of its anti-doping policy, highlighting the league’s commitment to maintaining a fair and clean competition. McDowell’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for athletes about the importance of carefully reviewing any medications, even those available over the counter, to avoid unintentional violations of doping regulations.