Graeme McDowell will not be in the field at the U.S. Open despite a string of recent strong performances in LIV Golf following his 2024 drug-induced suspension
23:39 ET, 11 Jun 2025Updated 23:41 ET, 11 Jun 2025
Veteran golfer Graeme McDowell is rounding into form ahead of the US Open(Image: Getty Images)
45-year-old LIV Golf star Graeme McDowell won’t be able to capture his second U.S. Open title this week despite his strong form, having finished tied for second at LIV Golf Virginia last weekend after shooting a strong 66 in the last round.
This marks a strong turnaround from 2024, when McDowell was suspended for a LIV event after testing positive for R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine), present in a decongestant medicine he took. The incident resulted in a $125,000 fine and caused him to miss LIV Golf Greenbrier the following week.
“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said when the verdict was released. “In an effort to manage it, I used a generic nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list.”
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“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE),” he continued.
“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 won the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, has not competed in the tournament since 2020, when he missed the cut at Winged Foot. He hasn’t finished in the top 10 at a major since 2014.
McDowell celebrates his 2010 US Open victory(Image: Getty Images)
He could’ve surprised this weekend after impressing at LIV Virginia, netting a cool $1.875 million along the way, but did not qualify for the tournament. U.S. Open winners receive only a 10-year exemption, and McDowell finished five shots off the cut at his final qualifying in Florida.
“I’m very proud of what I’m doing out here,” McDowell said of his performance in Virgina.
“Sometimes you need a little something back just to remind you that you’ve still got something left in the tank…”But 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.”
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The Northern Irishman was once ranked fourth in the world. He has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup on four separate occasions.
