LIV Golfer Loses $250K for Positive Drug Test, Chirps PGA Policy

Graeme McDowell became the first LIV golfer to be punished under its drug policy.

In statements Sunday, LIV Golf and McDowell said the positive test was caused by an over-the-counter nasal decongestant.

It’ll cost him $252,500 in total.

McDowell said he took the medication when he was struggling to sleep before a LIV Golf tournament in Tennessee in June.

The decongestant McDowell used is on LIV’s list of banned substances. LIV said McDowell tested positive for levomethamphetamine, which is the scientific name for Vicks VapoInhaler.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list,” McDowell posted on social media Sunday. “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 take the time to do this due to the over-the-counter nature of this medicine, and deeply regret the oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

LIV fined McDowell $125,000 and suspended him for one tournament. He also must give up the $127,500 he won placing 42nd at LIV Golf Nashville.

Despite the punishment, McDowell praised LIV’s drug policy, and even threw a jab at the PGA Tour’s.

“LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is designed to be thorough and transparent,” McDowell posted. “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 for maintaining the integrity of the sport.”

McDowell, a 45-year-old from Northern Ireland, defected for LIV in 2022. It’s been more than a year since the PGA Tour and LIV announced their potential unification—though PGA hesitates to call it a “merger”—and “constructive” talks have yet to produce any sort of result.