Graeme McDowell is the first LIV Golf player to be suspended under anti-doping policies for using an over-the-counter decongestant that contained a banned substance. The Saudi-funded league said McDowell, a former U.S. Open champion, would be suspended for one tournament and fined $125,000. He will be replaced by an alternate player at the LIV Golf Greenbrier next week. McDowell posted on social media on Sunday that he was battling severe congestion that was affecting his sleep ahead of the LIV Golf Nashville event in Tennessee in June. “To cope, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant, not knowing it could be on the banned list,” McDowell said. “As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of reviewing all medications and applying for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). Unfortunately, due to the over-the-counter nature of this medication, I did not take the time to do so and deeply regret this oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.” LIV said the substance was levomethamphetamine. In addition to the tournament suspension and fine, McDowell will also forfeit his prize money at LIV Golf Nashville. He finished 42nd in a field of 54 competitors and won $127,500. McDowell, 45, is best known for winning the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and for the decisive putt that secured Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Celtic Manor in Wales later that year. He has only two top 10 finishes at LIV Golf this year, finishing 23rd in the player standings. A year ago, he finished 42nd in the final standings. McDowell has yet to win a match at LIV. His last victory was the Saudi International in 2020. “LIV’s anti-doping policies are designed to be thorough and transparent,” he wrote. “Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me. However, I respect the need for these rules and penalties – they are essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport.” He will be eligible to play next month in the Chicago suburbs. ___ AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.