Graeme McDowell told statement after LIV Golf ban 'pathetic'
A number of golf fans were confused after Graeme McDowell took a swipe at the PGA Tour after he was banned for one tournament by LIV.
Graeme McDowell appeared to take issue with the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy after he was handed a one tournament ban by LIV Golf.
McDowell was suspended by the breakaway tour on 11 August.
The 45-year-old will miss next week's event in West Virginia and has been fined $125,000.
It has emerged that McDowell tested positive for a substance found in cough medication.
McDowell says he used a generic, over-the-counter Vicks nasal decongestant before LIV's tournament at Nashville in June because he was having trouble sleeping.
He did not think that to ask for a TUE, he said.
The former Ryder Cup star said he deeply regretted the oversight and fully accepted the sanctions imposed by LIV.
But in his statement, he also stated: "LIV's Anti-Doping Policy is designed to be thorough and transparent.
"Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me."
That did not go unnoticed by some X users.
"Turning your 'drug cheat apology' into a bitter, salty moan about the PGA Tour is one of the most pathetic things I've ever read on this app," one wrote.
Another added: "Pick a lane, G-Mac."
This person wrote: "Graeme McDowell with an explanation, an apology and a shot at the PGA Tour in the same statement. One-stop shopping."
Does the PGA Tour drug test?
Yes.
The Tour has an Anti-Doping Program that was implemented in 2008, which includes testing for a variety of substances.
The list includes performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recreational drugs, and certain over-the-counter medications that might be considered performance-enhancing.
The program follows guidelines similar to those of other major sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Golfers can be tested randomly at any time during the season, including at tournaments or during off-weeks.
There are also penalties for players who test positive for banned substances, ranging from fines and suspensions to disqualification from tournaments.
The list of banned substances includes anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), beta blockers, and stimulants, among others. Recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine are also prohibited.
The Tour's program also includes therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) for players who need to take certain medications for legitimate medical reasons.
