FORMER US Open champion Graeme McDowell has been suspended from LIV Golf for violating the tournament’s anti-doping policy.
McDowell, 45, will sit out a tournament after using “a decongestant medication that included a banned substance.”
The Northern Irishman was found to have violated policy during LIV Golf Nashville in June.
In addition to his suspension, McDowell received a whopping £98,000 fine.
McDowell said, “Before LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep.
“In an effort to cope, I used a generic 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 of requesting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
“Unfortunately, I did not think to do this due to the over-the-counter nature of this medication and I deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”
Adding: “I am proud of my 22-year career and the way I have conducted myself throughout 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 cause him to sit out the next LIV event, which will take place in West Virginia and begin on August 16.
But he will be able to return for the next event in Chicago, on September 13th.
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McDowell’s violation will not only affect him, but also his Smash GC teammates.
Your results and those of your teammates will be retrospectively disqualified from the Nashville event.
McDowell finished one stroke under par for the event, seeing Smash GC come in 12th out of 13 teams.
Other 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 not to go over par on a tricky Pebble Beach course.
McDowell has not returned to the main circuit since his move to LIV, with his last major championship coming back in 2020 when his 10-year exemption to the tournament expired.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
