LIV Golf has banned Graeme McDowell for one event and fined the former US Open champion $125,000 (£98,000) after he breached anti-doping procedures by using a Vicks nasal spray to assist with cold symptoms. It marks the first visible evidence of doping control on the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit.
McDowell will sit out LIV’s Greenbrier stop next weekend after admitting his error, which happened during an event in Nashville in June. The Northern Irishman also played in subsequent LIV tournaments in Spain and England. At the latter, McDowell’s Smash team shared third.
In a statement, LIV said: “LIV Golf has suspended Smash GC’s Graeme McDowell for one tournament after determining he violated the league’s anti-doping policy during LIV Golf Nashville by using a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levomethamphetamine).
“Accordingly, and in accordance with the policy, a one tournament suspension effective at LIV Golf Greenbrier will be imposed; a fine of $125,000 will be assessed; and the player’s and team’s results for LIV Golf Nashville will be disqualified (with prize money and points retroactively adjusted).”
McDowell, whose future on LIV is unclear beyond 2024, can return to competition when the tour visits Chicago in September. He had finished tied 42nd in the individual standings in Nashville.
In a statement of his own, McDowell was candid about his mistake. “Ahead of Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” he said. “In an effort to manage it, I used a general Vicks 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. 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.”
The 45-year-old McDowell followed up with what could be interpreted as a dig at the PGA and DP World Tours, which have drawn criticism in the past for perceived secrecy or inaction over anti-doping matters.
“LIV’s anti-doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent,” McDowell said. “Unlike some other tours LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me. However, I accept the rules and penalties – they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.”
