Graeme McDowell told statement after LIV Golf ban 'pathetic'

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."

This fan wrote: "This is a bizarre statement. Taking side swipes at other tours and then using a failed drug test to prop up LIV. Just weird"

 

@MondayQInfo wrote: "Honest question Graeme, did you publicly or privately call out the PGA Tours drug policy or lack of enforcement in your career on that tour? Cause if not calling them out when you get busted for a banned substance seems like a bit of a deflection."

 

Just a rollercoaster of a statement here https://t.co/yD158X3F4z

— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) August 11, 2024

McDowell will be allowed to return for the Chicago tournament in September.

 

"I'm proud of my 22-year career and the way I've conducted myself through it," he added.

Graeme McDowell of Smash GC suspended one tournament for violating LIV Golf’s Anti-Doping Policyhttps://t.co/vmymdmVFzN

— LIV Golf Communications (@LIVGolfComms) August 11, 2024

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.

Watched our latest YouTube video?