Graeme McDowell has offered an explanation after he produced a positive test as part LIV Golf's anti-doping programme, resulting in a suspension from the league.
The Northern Irishman will miss next week's LIV Golf event at Greenbrier, having been handed a one-tournament suspension as a result of the positive test.
In a statement on their website, LIV Golf said that McDowell had tested positive for R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine), which is a banned substance. The test took place during the league's recent event in Nashville.
McDowell has also been fined $125,000, while his individual and team result from the Nashville tournament have also been disqualified.
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Graeme McDowell Offers Explanation After Positive LIV Golf Drug Test
The news of this suspension was first broken by Graeme McDowell himself, who shared the news on social media.
In his post, he took full responsibility for ingesting the banned substance, something that he puts down to the use of 'an over-the-counter medicated decongestant stick'.
View this post on Instagram
During LIV Golf Nashville, I was selected for a random test as part of the league’s anti-doping program.I had mistakenly used an over-the-counter medicated decongestant stick for congestion that included a banned substance, resulting in a positive test. I take full responsibility and have accepted the sanctions from LIV Golf, including the suspension from Greenbrier.
This has been a tough learning experience, but I understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of our sport. I’m looking forward to getting back on the course with my teammates at LIV Golf Chicago.
He would also offer a more lengthy explanation on X.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) August 11, 2024
He will miss out on next week's tournament in West Virginia, which boasts a prize purse of $25million.
Graeme McDowell will be eligible to return to LIV Golf for their event in Chicago in September.
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