PGA Tour golfer hit with six-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance

The PGA Tour have announced one of their members has been suspended for six months after testing positive for a banned substance. 

A spokesperson for the North American circuit said on 29 July that Trey Mullinax violated the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy.

The substance he used has not been revealed but Mullinax, 34, claimed in a statement he had taken it recently for a condition he was diagnosed with in college. 

Mullinax added that he did not seek prior approval and was unaware that it was prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. 

The 34-year-old accepted the punishment, adding that his lack of knowledge wasn't an excuse.

He stressed that he did not take the substance to try and enhance his performance. 

"Anyone who knows me knows how much I respect this game and the values it represents," he said. 

The spokesperson for the PGA Tour said that Mullinax, whose sole title arrived at the 2022 Barbasol Championship, had cooperated fully with the investigation.

He will be eligible to return to competition from 16 January 2027.

Mullinax said:

"To my fans, I want to address the news regarding my failed anti-doping test and the suspension that followed. 

"I take full responsibility for what happened. At the end of the day, it is my responsibility to understand and follow the PGA Tour’s Anti-Doping Policy and all of its rules and regulations. 

"I failed to do that, and that is on me.

"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.

"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. 

"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.

"I accept the consequences of my actions and will use this experience as a lesson. Golf has given me so much, and I never want one mistake to define the respect I have for the game or for the people who support me. 

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me, and I look forward to competing again in 2027."

Mullinax is not the first professional golfer to make this mistake. 

In August 2024, the LIV Golf League announced that Graeme McDowell was suspended for one tournament after violating the circuit's anti-doping policy. 

McDowell use a decongestant medicine to treat cold and flu symptoms, unaware that it was prohibited. 

The European Ryder Cup legend was also hit with a $125,000 (£98,000) fine. 

"As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)," he said. 

"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."