PGA Tour Suspends Byeong Hun An Over Banned Substance in Cough Syrup

An was suspended for taking an over-the-counter medication that included a banned substance, per the PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy.

Byeong Hun An has been suspended from the PGA Tour for three months due to an anti-doping policy violation, according to a statement released on Wednesday. 

According to the PGA Tour release, An tested positive for a banned substance that was “contained in a cough medicine available over the counter in his native Korea.” The Tour also stated that An has “cooperated fully” and will be eligible to return to play on Dec. 1.

Office of the Commissioner statement regarding Byeong Hun An pic.twitter.com/TVAxkPxg5k

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) October 11, 2023

In response to the Tour’s announcement, An took to Instagram to explain the circumstances under which he violated the Anti-Doping policy. The 32-year-old wrote that he used the over-the-counter medication once and never intended to “gain a competitive advantage.”

Here is An’s full statement: 

“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 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.”

Born in Seoul, An is a former U.S. Amateur champion and turned professional in 2011. His parents are Olympic medalists in tennis. After losing his PGA Tour card after the 2020-2021 season, An quickly regained status through the Korn Ferry Tour, where he won the Lecom Suncoast Classic. His best finish in 2023 was a T2 at the Wyndham Championship.