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McDowell suspended for one LIV event over doping violation / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
McDowell suspended for one LIV event over doping violation
Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell has been suspended for one LIV Golf tournament and fined $125,000 for violating the Saudi-backed circuit's anti-doping policy.
The Northern Irishman will miss this week's event in West Virginia and is eligible to return to competition in Chicago next month.
At the LIV event in Nashville in June, McDowell used a decongestant which included the banned substance R-methamphetamine.
"Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep," McDowell posted in a statement on social media.
"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 I deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV."
G. Pires--JDB
