American pro golfer Trey Mullinax becomes the ninth PGA Tour golfer suspended for a banned substance he didn't know he was taking. He will now be on the sidelines for six months.

On 29th July, Mullinax’s spokesperson confirmed that he had violated the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy. The North American revealed his side of the story.

“I recently used a medication to treat a condition I was originally diagnosed with in college without seeking approval under the Tour's Anti-Doping Policy, " Mullinax said. "My lack of knowledge is not an excuse. It was my responsibility to know the rules before taking any medication, and I failed to do so.”

As per the PGA Tour’s statement, Mullinax will be eligible to return on Jan. 16, 2027. The 34-year-old has accepted the suspension, but did not reveal the banned substance.

Mullinax's failure to seek approval has cost him six months. He becomes the ninth golfer to be suspended since the PGA Tour began drug testing in 2008.

"I want to be absolutely clear – I have never taken any substance with the intention of gaining a competitive advantage. Anyone who knows me knows how much I respect this game and the values it represents,” Mullinax added.

The PGA Tour's Anti-Doping Policy disregards intent; any World Anti-Doping Agency-prohibited substance triggers suspension.

Mullinax’s season will now be cut short, although he has featured just twice on the PGA Tour this year. 

A similar incident happened with European Ryder Cup legend Graeme McDowell two years back.

A Similar Case: Graeme McDowell's Decongestant Violation

OKGC’s Graeme McDowell did not know his decongestant medicine had a banned substance. As a result, he was suspended for one tournament.

“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE),” said McDowell, as per the BBC.

McDowell explained that he recognizes the responsibility players have to verify any medication they take.

“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."

On top of that, McDowell was levied a fine of $125,000. His results and his team's results were disqualified at LIV Golf Nashville.

What are your thoughts on Trey Mullinax’s suspension? Let us know!

Read more on the Club Golf

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey