Graeme McDowell handed one-tournament suspension after former US Open champion, 45, violates anti-doping policy

FORMER US Open champion Graeme McDowell has been suspended from LIV Golf for violating the tour’s anti-doping policy.

McDowell, 45, will sit out one tournament after he used “a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance”.

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The Northern Irishman was found to have breached the policy during LIV Golf Nashville back in June.

On top of his suspension, McDowell has been slapped with a whopping £98,000 fine.

McDowell said: “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 nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list.

“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.”

Adding: “I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it.

“Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”

McDowell’s suspension will see him sit out the next LIV event, which takes place in West Virginia and begins on August 16.

But he will be able to return for the following event in Chicago on September 13.

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McDowell’s breach won’t just impact him, but also his teammates on Smash GC.

His results and those of his teammates will be retrospectively disqualified from the Nashville event.

McDowell had finished one shot under par for the event, seeing Smash GC come 12th out of 13 teams.

Fellow Smash GC teammates include Brooks Koepka, Talor Gooch and Jason Kokrak.

McDowell switched to LIV Golf in 2022 after spending 20 years on the European Tour and PGA Tour.

The Portrush-born star, nicknamed G-Mac, became US Open Champion in 2010 – finishing as the only player to not shoot over par on a tricky Pebble Beach course.

McDowell hasn’t returned to the main circuit since his LIV switch, with his last major championship coming back in 2020 on the expiration of his 10-year exemption for the tournament.

AP

AFP