Northern Ireland golfer Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf for violating the Saudi-funded circuit’s anti-doping policy.
The former US Open champion will have to sit out one tournament and has been fined $125,000 (£98,000) after using a decongestant which includes a banned substance.
Last night the Portrush man blamed the incident on a popular over the counter brand, but accepted overall responsibility for what he described as an “oversight”.
It means McDowell’s results, and that of his team, from LIV Golf Nashville will be disqualified.
In a statement, he 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 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 (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.”
Read more
McDowell will now miss this week’s event in West Virginia, but is eligible to return to competition in Chicago next month.
His place on Smash GC this week will be filled by a currently unnamed reserve player.
“LIV’s Anti-Doping Policy is designed to be thorough and transparent,” the statement continued.
“Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this particularly challenging for me.
“However, I respect the need for these rules and penalties — they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.
“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it.”
It comes almost a year after McDowell expressed regret over comments he made about his pride in “helping” Saudi Arabia on their “journey” for which he was severely criticised, including by LGBT groups.
Amnesty International previously urged the golfer to “speak out about human rights abuses” as he faced an intense backlash for his decision to play in the £20m LIV Golf Invitational Series in 2022.
The human rights watchdog branded the move “shameful” as McDowell faced accusations of “sports washing”.
However he insisted that if he was to get involved in the politics of every country he visited “I wouldn’t play much golf”.
“I’m not here to cure the world’s geo-political situation,” McDowell said at the time.
The families of 9/11 victims were among the critics and called on McDowell and other golfers who joined LIV Golf of lacking “courage”.
A lawsuit by the relatives of the the 2,996 people killed in the 2001 terror attack, alleged that Saudi Arabia government employees aided the hijackers and that Saudi-linked organisations financed al Qaeda — the country has denied any involvement.
The NUJ described McDowell’s move as “morally questionable” in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 — McDowell condemned the killing. He later made a bizarre suggestion that the row may have been orchestrated by the PGA Tour.
His statement on failing the doping test makes clear he wants to move forward. “Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course,” it concludes.