McDowell banned one event over nasal decongestant by LIV Golf

The 2010 US Open champion used a decongestant at LIV’s June event in Nashville that contained the banned substance levo-methamphetamine.

Graeme McDowell of Smash GC looks on the ninth hole during day two of the LIV Golf Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama on July 13, 2024 in Sotogrande, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) | Photo Credit: Angel Martinez

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell was suspended by LIV Golf for next week’s event at Greenbrier after violating the Saudi-backed tour’s anti-doping policy by using a nasal decongestant with a banned substance.

The 2010 US Open champion used a decongestant at LIV’s June event in Nashville that contained the banned substance levo-methamphetamine.

As a result, the 45-year-old captain of LIV team Smash was also fined $125,000 and both McDowell’s and the team’s results will be disqualified.

Smash was 12th out of 13 teams at Nashville, while McDowell shared 42nd in the field of 54 at one-under 212.

McDowell will be replaced on the Smash roster by a reserve player at LIV Golf Greenbrier next Friday through Sunday in West Virginia, with McDowell eligible to return for LIV Golf Chicago on September 13-15.

“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks 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 deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”