Set to Play First LIV Event, Na Announces ‘Resignation’ from PGA Tour

DUBLIN, Ohio — Kevin Na announced on Twitter Saturday morning that he has resigned from the PGA Tour as he prepares to tee it up at LIV Golf Invitational Series in London.

“For 19 years, I’ve played on the PGA TOUR and I have loved every minute of it,” Na tweeted. “I appreciate the platform the TOUR has provided to play the game that I love and the opportunities that come with it.

“Recent developments in the professional golf world have given me a chance to reconsider my options. I would like the freedom to play wherever I want and exercising my right as a free agent gives me that opportunity.

“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 want to play golf, then I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action from the PGA Tour.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan previously denied releases of any golfer on tour attempting to play in London and threatened disciplinary action for those who defied this decision.

Na is a five-time PGA TOUR winner, most recently at the 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii, and also is known for walking putts in.

Previously, Na has been critical of PGA TOUR setups indicating that his game only allows him to compete on a handful of courses each year.

The 38-year-old Na tied for seventh place in last week’s Charles Schwab Challenge.

“This has not been an easy decision and not one I take lightly,” said Na. “I hope the current policies change and I’ll be able to play on the PGA Tour again.”

In a lot of golf circles, the feud between Na and tour pro Grayson Murray had Na’s name front of mind most recently. Murray accused Na of taunting on the driving range the day prior to the Mexico Open at Vidanta. That disagreement dates back to January, when Na criticized Murray’s performance on Tour.

Regardless, Na is set to tee it up next week with Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Ian Poulter and James Piot as he prepares for life away from the PGA Tour.

“I am thrilled to begin the next chapter in my career, starting next week at the inaugural LIV Invitational series event in London,” Na said. “I hope you’ll continue to support me.”