Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf after violating the organisation’s anti-doping policy.

The former US Open winner has been banned from competing at LIV Golf Greenbrier, which starts on August 16, for a breach during the inaugural Nashville event in June.

The Northern Irishman has also been fined $125,000.

A statement said: “LIV Golf has suspended Smash GC’s Graeme McDowell for one tournament after determining he violated the league’s anti-doping policy during LIV Golf Nashville by using a decongestant medicine that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine).

“Accordingly, and in accordance with the Policy, a one tournament suspension effective at LIV Golf Greenbrier will be imposed; a fine of $125,000 will be assessed; and the player’s and team’s results for LIV Golf Nashville will be disqualified (with prize money and points retroactively adjusted).”

In response, McDowell, 45, said he took an over-the-counter decongestant without realizing it was on the league’s list of banned substances.

He said: “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing 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 (TUE).

“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.”

(Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)