The PGA warned golfers about discipline for participating in the LIV Golf Invitational Series. One golfer will take his future out of the PGA’s hands.
Kevin Na announced on Saturday that he is resigning from the PGA Tour and will fully commit to LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabian-backed startup league that has offered up massive purses to lure talent away from the PGA. Na is the first golfer to publicly announce that he is leaving the PGA altogether for LIV Golf.
Na explained that while he has enjoyed his time with the PGA Tour, he has had to “reconsider my options” in the sport.
“I would like the freedom to play whenever I want and exercising my right as a free agent gives me that opportunity,” Na wrote on Twitter. “However to remain a PGA Tour player, I must give up my right to make these choices about my career. If I exercise my right to choose where and when I play golf, then I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action from the PGA.”
This was a very difficult decision for me. I hope my fans will continue to support me wherever I choose to play. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/3Vp2e7cPfH
— Kevin Na (@kevinna915) June 4, 2022
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Na was one of the prominent names listed on LIV Golf’s inaugural event in London from June 9-11. The No. 33 golfer per the Official World Golf Ranking was named along with Dustin Johnson, Louis Oosthuiszen, Talor Gooch and Sergio Garcia among the 42 players.
After the list of names came out, the PGA Tour issued a statement, saying that golfers that participate in LIV would face disciplinary action.
“As communicated to our membership on May 10, PGA Tour members have not been authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League’s London event, under PGA Tour regulations,” the PGA Tour said in a statement, according to Golf Monthly. “Members who violate the tournament regulations are subject do disciplinary action.”
The PGA Tour has not announced what the possible discipline could be, though commissioner Jay Monahan has threatened to ban anyone that participates in LIV Golf events. By leaving the PGA Tour before any discipline has been issued, Na won’t be subjected to any punishment from the league.
MORE: Why is Dustin Johnson playing in Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series?
The purses in the LIV Golf Series’ eight events equal $255 million, with at least $25 million in seven of the purses.
Na said he would not rule out returning to the PGA if the Tour changed its policies. Na has won five PGA Tour events and has twice finished in the top 10 in major PGA championships.