Graeme McDowell Suspended and Fined by LIV Golf for Anti-Doping Policy Violation
Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell has been suspended for one tournament and fined $125,000 by LIV Golf for violating its anti-doping policy. McDowell's violation occurred in June at the Nashville event after taking a decongestant with a banned substance. He will return to competition at the September Chicago event.
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Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell has faced a one-tournament suspension and a $125,000 fine by LIV Golf, announced on Sunday, for breaching the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's anti-doping policy.
The Northern Irishman violated the policy in June during the Nashville event after taking a decongestant containing the banned substance R-methamphetamine. McDowell stated on X that the medication was a counter purchase to address congestion affecting his sleep, and he regretted not seeking a therapeutic use exemption.
Under LIV policy, McDowell's individual results and those of his team, Smash GC, from the Nashville event will be voided. McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open victor, will return to competition in September at the LIV Golf Chicago event, while a reserve player will substitute his spot at the upcoming Greenbrier event.
(With inputs from agencies.)