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South Korean golfer An Byeong-hun has received a three-month suspension due to a doping violation, as announced by the PGA Tour.
In a statement, the tour disclosed that the world number 53 tested positive for a banned substance after taking an over-the-counter cough medicine in his homeland, South Korea.
The suspension is retroactively effective from August 31, and the 32-year-old will be eligible to return to play on December 1.
Taking to his Instagram story after the ban became public, An explained, “In August, I was suffering from a head cold and cough. As my symptoms worsened, my mother suggested I take a widely available medication from Korea that had helped her through a similar ailment.”
“I took this medicine without checking its contents first, only to later find that it contained a substance that is prohibited under the PGA Tour’s anti-doping program.”
“It was the only time I used this medication and in no way did I take it to gain a competitive advantage. I regret not being more thorough in my decision-making and take full responsibility for my actions.”
“I’d like to thank the PGA Tour for supporting me during this process and look forward to returning to competition in the new year.”
A PGA Tour statement further clarified, “Byeong Hun An has violated the PGA Tour anti-doping policy and has been suspended for three months, with the suspension being retroactive to August 31, 2023.”
“An tested positive for a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) contained in an over-the-counter cough medicine available in his native Korea.”
“He has cooperated fully with the Tour throughout the process and accepted his suspension.”
An now joins a select group of players who have faced suspension for doping violations since the PGA Tour implemented drug testing in 2008. Notably, he is the first since the suspension of American golfer Matt Every in 2019.
