Key Highlights :
South Korean golfer An Byeong-hun has been handed a three-month drugs ban for a doping violation after taking an over-the-counter cough medicine in his native homeland. The PGA Tour released a statement announcing the suspension, which has been backdated to August 31, and the 32-year-old will be eligible to compete again from December 1.
An tested positive for a banned substance after taking the medicine, which was recommended by his mother, for a cold. The golfer, who is currently ranked No. 53 in the world, took to Instagram to express his regret, saying: “I regret not being more thorough in my decision-making and take full responsibility for my actions.”
The PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and An is the first player to be suspended for a doping violation since America’s Matt Every in 2019. He is the eighth player to be suspended since the PGA Tour began drug testing in 2008.
An, who has four runner-up finishes on the US-based tour but is yet to get his first win, has had success internationally, with three tournament wins, including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2015.
The incident serves as a reminder to athletes of all levels that even over-the-counter medications can contain banned substances and should be checked before taking. It is also important to remember that while some medications may be available in one country, they may not be available in another.
An’s suspension is a reminder to athletes that even seemingly harmless medications can contain banned substances and should be checked before taking. It is also important to remember that while some medications may be available in one country, they may not be available in another. With the PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy in line with WADA, athletes must be aware of the substances they are taking and the potential consequences of breaking the rules.