LIV Golf star Graeme McDowell has received a one-tournament suspension and been fined $125,000 after violating the Saudi-backed league’s anti-doping policy .
Back in June, McDowell tested positive for levo-methamphetamine while competing in the LIV Golf Nashville event at The Grove. The 2010 U.S. Open champion, who has won $8,932,213 in the last two years on the LIV circuit, reportedly ingested the banned substance after taking a generic decongestant medicine while feeling under the weather.
Due to the violation, McDowell has been barred from playing in LIV Golf Greenbrier, which kicks off on August 16. His individual and team results from Nashville have additionally been wiped - the 45-year-old finished T42 in College Grove at 1-under, while Smash GC finished in second-to-last place.
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An official statement announcing the news 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 suspension and hefty fine mark the first time a LIV Golf player has been disciplined in line with the circuit’s anti-doping policy. Taking to social media, he admitted to ingesting the banned substance and announced that he’d be accepting his punishment.
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“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,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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."
McDowell then took a slight dig at the PGA Tour, adding: "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."
McDowell currently ranks 23rd in the LIV Golf standings, with his best finish coming in Las Vegas where he tied for fifth place. He is eligible to return to competition at LIV Golf Chicago from September 13-15.
“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it,” McDowell concluded. “Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”
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