Deeply regret the oversight’: Graeme McDowell hit with ban, fine for using banned substance
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell was suspended by LIV Golf for next week’s event at Greenbrier after violating the Saudi-backed tour’s anti-doping policy by using a nasal decongestant with a banned substance.
The 2010 US Open champion used a decongestant at LIV’s June event in Nashville that contained the banned substance levo-methamphetamine.
As a result, the 45-year-old captain of LIV team Smash was also fined $US125,000 ($A190,000) and both McDowell’s and the team’s results will be disqualified.
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Smash was 12th out of 13 teams at Nashville, while McDowell shared 42nd in the field of 54 at one-under 212.
McDowell will be replaced on the Smash roster by a reserve player at LIV Golf Greenbrier next Friday through Sunday in West Virginia, with McDowell eligible to return for LIV Golf Chicago on September 13-15.
“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing 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 deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”