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).
As a result, following the Policy, the player will be suspended for one tournament starting from LIV Golf Greenbrier; a fine of $125,000 will be applied; and the player’s and team’s outcomes from LIV Golf Nashville will be invalidated (with prize money and points corrected retroactively).” McDowell has been suspended and fined for violating the anti-doping policy of the LIV Golf tour, making him the first player to face such consequences.
He admitted to his error on social media, acknowledging that he made a mistake.
He explained that he was dealing with severe congestion before the LIV Nashville event, which was impacting his ability to sleep. In an attempt to alleviate his symptoms, he used a Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing that it was prohibited.
As someone who plays golf professionally, I recognize the significance of verifying all medications and the possibility of requesting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). I did not consider this due to the fact that the medicine was available over the counter, and I am truly sorry for not doing so.
I acknowledge the penalties imposed by LIV and am willing to comply. McDowell seemed to criticize the PGA Tour and its anti-doping rules while applauding the procedures of LIV Golf. “LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is carefully crafted to be comprehensive and open.
In contrast to certain other tours, LIV strictly enforces these regulations, posing a unique challenge for me in this specific situation.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge the importance of these regulations and consequences in upholding the sport’s integrity.”
Ranked 23rd in the LIV Golf standings, McDowell’s best result was finishing tied for fifth place in Las Vegas. He is set to participate in the upcoming LIV Golf Chicago tournament from September 13-15. McDowell stated that he is proud of his 22-year career and the way he has handled himself throughout it.
He is now concentrating on moving ahead and returning to the golf course. McDowell is eager to meet everyone at LIV Chicago.