PGA Tour pro Robert Garrigus was suspended for three months after testing positive for a “drug of abuse,” the Tour announced on Friday.
Garrigus, in a statement released following the announcement of his suspension, confirmed that the drug in question was marijuana.
“First, I want to apologize to my family, my sponsors, my fellow competitors and the PGA Tour for my actions,” Garrigus wrote. “Second, I would like to apologize to my fans, many of whom have supported me throughout my career as I shared my story of overcoming addiction and achieving my dream of playing on the PGA Tour. I sincerely apologize and hope I can make it up to all of you through my future actions.”
This is my statement regarding my suspension by the PGA TOUR. pic.twitter.com/isatq7c9Mx
— Robert Garrigus (@garrigus_robert) March 22, 2019
The 41-year-old is currently ranked No. 450 in the world. He’s made two cuts in seven starts this season at the Sanderson Farms Championship and the Genesis Open.
“The PGA Tour announced today that Robert Garrigus has violated the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Program by testing positive for a substance identified as a drug of abuse,” the Tour wrote in their statement. “In accordance with the PGA Tour Conduct Policy that applies to violations involving drugs of abuse, he has been suspended for a period of three months.”
Garrigus has been open about his drug use in the past and cited a recent relapse for his failed drug test and subsequent suspension.
“After a long period of sobriety, I had a relapse and subsequently failed a drug test for marijuana,” his statement said. “A drug that, although legal in many states, is not permitted under the PGA Tour’s anti-doping rules,” Garrigus wrote. “I mention that it is legal in many states not as an excuse, but as a word of warning to many people who use or try marijuana. Legal doesn’t mean it isn’t addictive and legal doesn’t mean there aren’t potentially severe consequences if you use it.
“It doesn’t matter if you are one day, one week or nine years clean; one misstep, one lapse in judgment can impact your life in monumental fashion,” Garrigus wrote. “I hope this new chapter in my life will now show people to never relax in their battle with addiction.”
Garrigus will be eligible to tee it up once again in the end of June.
