Graeme McDowell fails drugs test – and blames it on nasal spray

Northern Irishman says he assumed Vicks decongestant complied with rules after being suspended for one LIV tournament and fined $125k

Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf for failing a drugs test, which he says is because of a nasal spray used for congestion.
The former Ryder Cup vice-captain will serve a one-tournament suspension next week at the $25 million event in West Virginia for violating the breakaway league’s doping policy.
The 2010 US Open champion has also been fined $125,000 (£98,000) and will lose the $128,000 (£100,000) he won in Nashville at the end of June after testing positive for R-methamphetamine, a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. McDowell is the first golfer on LIV to be hit with such a sanction, but will be able to return next month.
The 45-year-old provided his explanation after LIV released the news, with the Northern Irishman citing the same factors that infamously led to Scot Alain Baxter being controversially stripped of a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” he said in a statement. “In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realising 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. 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.
“LIV’s anti-doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent. Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this particularly challenging for me. However, I respect the need for these rules and penalties — they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.
“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself through it. Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course. I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”
McDowell’s “other tours” reference was clearly pointed at the PGA Tour, which is notoriously secretive when issuing punishments for doping offences, although it did ban South Korea’s An Byeong-hun for three months last year after he tested positive for the same substance that was apparently also included in an over-the-counter cough medicine. In the past, Rory McIlroy is one of those who have criticised the Tour for its less-than-rigorous approach to catching dopers.