Graeme McDowell is the first LIV Golf player to be suspended under its anti-doping policy after using an over-the-counter decongestant with a banned substance. The Saudi-backed league announced McDowell, a former U.S. Open champion, will be suspended for one tournament and fined $125,000. He will be replaced by an alternate at next week’s LIV Golf Greenbrier event.
McDowell posted on social media Sunday that he was struggling with severe congestion that affected his sleep prior before the LIV Golf Nashville event in Tennessee in June. “In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list,” McDowell said. “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 take the time to do this due to the over-the-counter nature of this medicine, and deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”
Levo-methamphetamine was the drug, according to LIV. Apart from the penalties and one-tournament suspension, McDowell also loses his LIV Golf Nashville prize money. Against a 54-player field, he tied for 42nd place and took home $127,500. McDowell, 45, is most renowned for winning the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and for sinking the crucial putt at Celtic Manor in Wales later that year to seal Europe’s victory in the Ryder Cup. This year, he has only recorded two top tens on LIV Golf, and he finished 23rd in the player rankings. A year ago, he finished 42nd in the final standings. On LIV, McDowell is yet to triumph. 2020’s Saudi International was the last tournament he won.
“LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent,” he wrote. “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.”
He will be eligible to play in the Chicago suburbs next month.