PGA Tour winner banned for six months over anti-doping violation

PGA Tour winner Trey Mullinax has been slapped with a six-month ban from golf for breaking anti-doping rules.

Mullinax tested positive for using a substance that has been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

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He will not be permitted to play in an event until January 2027.

The 34-year-old has claimed that he did not use the banned substance to enhance his performance, admitting he used it to ‘treat a condition’ that he was diagnosed with in college.

In a statement, the PGA Tour wrote: “The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Trey Mullinax has violated the PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Policy’s ban on the use of performance-enhancing substances for testing positive for a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“As a result, he is suspended for six months and eligible to return on Jan. 16, 2027.

“Mullinax has cooperated fully with the TOUR throughout the process and accepted his suspension.”

‘I take full responsibility’

Mullinax also released his own statement following the ban, explaining why he had taken the prohibited substance.

“To my fans, I want to address the news regarding my failed anti-doping test and the suspension that followed,” he said. “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 has picked up one title on tour during his career so far, winning the Barbasol Championship four years ago.

He turned professional in 2014 and has claimed that one PGA Tour success, as well as two Korn Ferry Tour wins.

The American finished in the top 10 at the US Open in 2017 too.