LIV Golf suspends major winner for violating anti-doping policy
Graeme McDowell last month at LIV Golf's event in Spain.
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Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf for breaking its anti-doping policy, the 2010 U.S. Open winner and Saudi Arabia-backed league announced Sunday in statements.
LIV said the suspension would be for one tournament and be applied at this week’s event in West Virginia. The tour said McDowell used “a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine).”
In a statement posted to his X account, McDowell said he had used “a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list” ahead of LIV’s event in Nashville, played in late June. He also noted that “unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously.”
Below is McDowell’s complete statement that he posted to X:
“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.
“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.
“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself throughout it. Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago!”
In its statement, LIV also said McDowell would be fined $125,000, and that his results and his team’s results (he plays with Smash GC on the tour) for the Nashville event would be disqualified.
Below is LIV’s complete statement that it posted to its website:
“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’s vacancy on Smash GC will be filled by a to-be-confirmed reserve player at LIV Golf Greenbrier, August 16-18. He will be eligible to return to competition at LIV Golf Chicago, September 13-15.”
McDowell and his team also posted a slightly different statement to Instagram, which can be read below:
“During LIV Golf Nashville, I was selected for a random test as part of the league’s anti-doping program. I had mistakenly used an over-the-counter medicated decongestant stick for congestion that included a banned substance, resulting in a positive test. I take full responsibility and have accepted the sanctions from LIV Golf, including the suspension from Greenbrier. This has been a tough learning experience, but I understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of our sport. I’m looking forward to getting back on the course with my teammates at LIV Golf Chicago.”
McDowell has played with LIV since the upstart league started play in June of 2022.
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