LIV Golf turns to familiar replacement after banning $9 million star

LIV Golf has replaced Graeme McDowell for its upcoming tournament in West Virginia after the golfer received a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, levo-methamphetamine.

McDowell tested positive during the LIV Golf Nashville event at The Grove, where he had used a nasal spray to combat severe congestion, unaware it contained a banned substance. This has led McDowell, who has won nearly $9 million in the last two seasons on the LIV circuit, to be the first player to face a suspension under the league's anti-doping policy.

With McDowell sidelined, his spot on the Smash GV team is now expected to be filled by American journeyman John Catlin, making him the last-minute substitution for this weekend's competition, according to Bunkered.co.uk. Catlin is a familiar face on the LIV Golf circuit having replaced the injured Charles Howell III at the recent Nashville event.

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He had his best finish in Nashville, finishing tied for 7th while filling in on Bryson DeChambeau's team. With earnings exceeding £1.3 million from four LIV Golf appearances, Catlin's performance in McDowell's place could pave the way for a permanent spot on the LIV Golf tour come the 2025 season.

In response to the positive test results, McDowell laid out his position in a public statement posted on social media, owning up to his mistake.

"Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep," he explained. "In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vick's nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list".

This costly error will cause him to forfeit an estimated $130,000 in playing fees, plus the $125,000 fine imposed due to the failed drug test.

LIV Golf's announcement stated: "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)."