Four golfers suspended after positive cocaine tests

Written by Staff Writer

Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson have all played for Team USA at past Ryder Cups

Four golfers have been suspended by the European Tour after testing positive for cocaine at this month’s South African Open, the Tour said in a statement.

The test results of Paul Dunne, Eddie Pepperell, Andrew Dodt and Andrew Dodt provided for the subsequent suspensions.

All four had tested positive for the illegal substance ahead of the tournament on 7-9 October, the Tour said.

The confirmed positives follow a provisional suspension, which was implemented after tests were carried out on the golfers.

No further details were provided about the players, who were unavailable for comment.

“Since taking this decision in consultation with the European Tour, the players have remained subject to an indefinite ban. They may therefore be able to take part in any golf competitions in the future only when they are in clear compliance with the drug-testing policy,” said an email from the Tour.

“The European Tour takes the testing and integrity of its competitions and on-course playing fields extremely seriously.

“The players were afforded all of the opportunity to appeal their provisional suspension, which was only stayed pending a hearing and final decision.”

The four players were replaced in the qualifying event for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The event is being played this week.

All four were unsuccessful in the rest of the Ryder Cup qualifiers and are unable to play in the European team for next month’s competition.

They could be able to take part in an international event only once they have cleared a doping test.

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