LIV Golf has suspended Graeme McDowell for one tournament for flouting the anti-doping code.
The 45-year-old athlete reportedly took a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance, said the Saudi-funded series. The Northern Irishman committed the offence during LIV Golf Nashville in June. He was fined $125,000 (£98,000).
The athlete, who won the US Open in 2010, said: “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep… In an effort to manage it, 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 to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)… 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,” he added.
In a social media post, McDowell also admitted: “This has been a tough learning experience, but I understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of our sport.”
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On being disqualified
Following his suspension, McDowell and his team’s LIV Nashville results would be deemed invalid. He can make a comeback for the Chicago tournament in September, but he won’t be able to attend the upcoming event in the series, which begins in West Virginia on August 16.
McDowell stated: “I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it… Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”
Source: BBC