Graeme McDowell has become the first LIV Golf League player to be suspended under its antidoping policy, getting penalized for using an over-the-counter decongestant that contained a banned substance.

The Saudi-funded tour said McDowell, a former U.S. Open champion, would be suspended for one tournament and fined $125,000. He will be replaced in the field at LIV Golf Greenbrier next weekend by an alternate player.

The 45-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland posted on social media Sunday that he was struggling with severe congestion that affected his sleep prior before the LIV Golf Nashville tournament in June.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list,” McDowell said. “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 said the substance was levo-methamphetamine.

In addition to the one-tournament suspension and fine, McDowell has to forfeit his prize money from LIV Golf Nashville. He tied for 42nd in a 54-man field and earned $127,500.

McDowell is best known for his victory at Pebble Beach Golf Links in the 2010 U.S. Open, and for making the pivotal putt that secured Europe’s win in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales later that year.

He has only two top-10 finishes in LIV Golf League competition this year and was 23rd in the player standings. He was 42nd in the final standings last year. McDowell left the PGA Tour for LIV when it debuted in 2022 but has yet to win on the rival circuit. His most recent victory was the 2020 Saudi International, a DP World Tour event.

“LIV’s Anti-Doping policy is 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 for maintaining the integrity of the sport.”