Graeme McDowell banned by LIV Golf after anti-doping rules breach
The former US Open champ is now banned from competing at the next LIV event and fined $125,000
Northern Ireland golf star Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf over an anti-doping breach.
The former US Open champion was tested during the LIV Golf Nashville event in the US in June and was found to have violated the league's anti-doping policy by using a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance.
The Portrush man is now banned from competing at the next LIV event and fined $125,000 but is eligible to return again for the following event in September.
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A 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’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 took to Twitter to explain the suspension and insisted he is proud of his 22-year career and the way he has conducted himself.
"Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a general Vicks decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list," McDowell stated on social media after the news emerged.
"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 ping 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."
The Open returns to McDowell's native Royal Portrush in 2025 though his participation is not certain.
'GMAC' became one of the marquee names to make the move to LIV Golf in 2022, but since then has seen his name tumble down the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). He currently sits 972nd and therefore ineligible to compete in any of the four majors.
It means McDowell has been forced to turn to qualifying in a bid to enjoy what could potentially be a last hurrah on the grand stage.
McDowell told bunkered : "I was gutted sitting at home watching this year's Open Championship. And I'm not having a moan. I understand why I'm not involved, and you could argue I'm not playing good enough to be involved anyway.
"But I still believe that with the right schedule, and the right attitude, and the right approach, I can get there. Portrush is massively on my radar and I will try and play any Asian Tour event or DP World Tour event that has spots for The Open and that I’m allowed to play in.
"I'll try and play those events next year on top of my LIV schedule."
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