LIV imposes one-event suspension on Graeme McDowell for prohibited substance
In a historic first for the league, LIV Golf has suspended Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell for one event on Sunday due to a violation of their anti-doping policy.
According to a news release from LIV, McDowell was found to have used a decongestant containing a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine), during the LIV Golf Nashville tournament in June.
As a result, McDowell will not be eligible to compete in the upcoming LIV Golf Greenbrier event in West Virginia. He has also been fined $125,000 and his team (Smash GC) will have their points from the Nashville tournament disqualified.
Also see this picks:
Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Rams Pick & Prediction OCT 24th 2024
Also see this picks:
North Texas vs. Memphis Tigers Pick & Prediction OCT 19th 2024
According to LIV's website, Smash GC, led by captain Brooks Koepka, finished 12th out of 13 teams at Nashville with a score of 12 under par.
In a statement posted on social media, McDowell explained that he was struggling with severe congestion before the Nashville tournament and used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant to manage it. He was unaware that the medication contained a banned substance and did not apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). He expressed regret for the oversight and fully accepts the sanctions imposed by LIV.
LIV Golf will announce a reserve player to take McDowell's spot on Smash GC for the Greenbrier event, which will take place from August 16-18.
McDowell, 45, is best known for winning the 2010 U.S. Open and being a part of the winning European team in the Ryder Cup in 2010, 2012, and 2014. He has been ranked as high as No. 4 in the world and has won 16 career titles, with 10 of them coming on the European Tour. He has yet to win on the LIV circuit.
