Graeme McDowell is not competing for his second US Open title this week despite his impressive LIV Golf form, having secured a tie for second at LIV Virginia last weekend with a stellar final round of 66. This comes as a stark contrast to 2024 when McDowell faced suspension from a LIV event after testing positive for R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine), which was found in an over-the-counter decongestant he had used.

The debacle led to a hefty $125,000 fine and saw him suspended for the subsequent LIV Golf Greenbrier event. "Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep," McDowell explained following the ruling. "In an effort to manage it, I used a generic 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 (TUE)," he added.

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

McDowell, who clinched the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, has been absent from the tournament since 2020, when he didn't make the cut at Winged Foot. His last top 10 finish in a major dates back to 2014.

Despite not making the cut for this weekend's tournament after a standout performance at LIV Virginia, where he pocketed a cool $1.875 million, McDowell remains optimistic about his abilities on the golf course. The US Open allows winners a ten-year exemption, and McDowell was five shots shy at his final qualifying round in Florida.

Speaking on his time at LIV Golf Virginia, McDowell expressed a positive outlook: "I'm very proud of what I'm doing out here. Sometimes you need a little something back just to remind you that you've still got something left in the tank. I was really happy the way I composed myself generally today. Drove the ball great. I felt pretty comfortable out there.

"Hopefully a big summer ahead, and like I said in the presser, [I've] been so disappointed with my general performance on LIV this to point, this is what I expect of myself still. Really nice to get the juices flowing a little bit. I'm super excited about the week."

This story first appeared on the Mirror US