LIV Golf has suspended Graeme McDowell for breaking the anti-doping policy of the organization.
Because of an incident that occurred during the inaugural Nashville event in June, the former US Open winner has been barred from competing at LIV Golf Greenbrier, which begins on August 16.
The Northern Irishman has also been fined $125,000.
A statement said: “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).”
In response, 45-year-old McDowell said he had taken an over-the-counter decongestant without knowing it was prohibited by the league.
He said: “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.”
(Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
