PGAM: Green to learn from ban as career moves on

PETALING JAYA: A three-month suspension is better than a lifetime ban for professional golfer Gavin Green (pic).

The 32-year-old was found to have breached the European Tour’s anti-doping policy after testing positive for a prohibited substance contained in a herbal supplement in August.

The Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM) general manager, Faridil Atras Othman said three months was just a small speed bump in Green’s career.

“If we really look at it, three months is not at all a long time,” said Faridil. “The most important thing, however, is not the punishment, but the lesson behind it.

“Three months can be considered lucky for some players, instead of getting a longer ban, or even worse, a lifetime ban.”

On Tuesday, the European Tour confirmed in a statement that Green had breached their anti-doping regulations after taking a herbal supplement available in Asia as therapeutic treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.

World No. 554 Green had breached the policy in August during the Danish Championship, where he finished tied for 40th.

According to the Tour, Green fully cooperated with them throughout the process and accepted the suspension.

He will be allowed to resume competition on March 5, and the first event he will be eligible to compete at will be the Joburg Open in South Africa.

“Sure, Gavin will miss a few tournaments, and that will affect his rankings a little, but this is a good lesson not just for him, but to every athlete out there,” said Faridil.