Graeme McDowell has been banned for one LIV Golf event after failing a drugs test at the LIV Nashville event in June – the first time a player has been suspended for doping
LIV Golf star Graeme McDowell has been slapped with a one-tournament ban and a hefty $125,000 (£98,000) fine after he fell foul of the Saudi-backed league’s strict anti-doping rules.
The 2010 U. S. Open winner found himself in hot water back in June when he tested positive for levo-methamphetamine during the LIV Golf Nashville event at The Grove. McDowell, who has pocketed a cool $8,932,213 over the past two years on the LIV circuit, reportedly consumed the prohibited substance unknowingly by taking an over-the-counter decongestant while feeling unwell.
As a result of his misstep, McDowell is now banned from teeing off at the upcoming LIV Golf Greenbrier, set to commence on August 16. To add insult to injury, his individual and team scores from the Nashville tournament have been erased. The 45-year-old golfer had finished T42 at 1-under par, and his team, Smash GC, landed second from the bottom.
An official statement read: “LIV Golf has suspended Smash GC’s Graeme McDowell for one tournament after determining he violated the league’s anti-doping policy during LIV Golf Nashville by using a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine).
“Accordingly, and in accordance with the Policy, a one tournament suspension effective at LIV Golf Greenbrier will be imposed; a fine of $125,000 will be assessed; and the player’s and team’s results for LIV Golf Nashville will be disqualified (with prize money and points retroactively adjusted).”
McDowell has become the first LIV Golf player to face a suspension and a heavy fine for violating the tour’s anti-doping policy and owned up to his mistake on social media. Accepting his punishment, he shared: “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a generic 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 did not think to do this due to the over-the-counter nature of this medicine, and I deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”
He continued: “LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent. 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.”
Sitting 23rd in the LIV Golf rankings, with his peak performance being a tie for fifth place in Las Vegas, McDowell will be back on the green for the LIV Golf Chicago event scheduled for September 13-15.
“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it,” McDowell concluded. “Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”
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