Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell on Sunday became the first LIV Golf player to be suspended under its anti-doping policy for using an over-the-counter decongestant that contained a banned substance.

The 2010 US Open champion used a decongestant at LIV's June event in Nashville that contained the banned substance levo-methamphetamine.

McDowell posted on social media that he was struggling with severe congestion that affected his sleep prior to the event.

The Saudi-funded league said McDowell would be suspended for one tournament and fined US$125,000.

He will be replaced in the field at the LIV Golf Greenbrier next week by an alternate. (AFP/AP)