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Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer
The LIV Golf Association announced Sunday that it has suspended Graeme McDowell for one tournament and fined him $125,000 for using a nasal decongestant containing a banned substance.
The LIV Golf League said in a statement that McDowell tested positive for levomethamphetamine at a tournament in College Grove, Tennessee, from June 21-23.
“Prior to my Nashville Liv procedure, I was suffering from severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement on social media. “In an attempt to control it, I used Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it was on the list of contraindications.”
“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of screening all medications and the option to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Unfortunately, I did not take the time to do so due to the over-the-counter nature of this medication, and I deeply regret this oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) August 11, 2024
McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open winner, is the first golfer to be sanctioned under the LIV Golf Association’s anti-doping policy.
“LIV’s anti-doping policy is designed to be comprehensive and transparent,” McDowell said in his statement. “Unlike some other tours, LIV strictly enforces these rules, which has made this situation particularly difficult for me. However, I respect the need for these rules and sanctions – they are essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport.”
McDowell will miss next week’s tournament at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. A replacement has not yet been named. McDowell will be eligible to return at a tournament in Bolingbrook, Illinois, Sept. 13-15.
McDowell tied for 42nd in the 54-player tournament at LIV Golf Nashville, 18 strokes behind individual winner Tyrrell Hatton. McDowell’s Smash GC team, led by Brooks Koepka, finished 12th out of 13 teams in the team competition.
LIV Golf said McDowell and Smash GC will be disqualified from the tournament and their points and prize money will be retroactively adjusted.
