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Five-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na announced Saturday that he is stepping down from the tour to continue playing in the rival Saudi Arabia-backed golf series and avoid “disciplinary proceedings and legal action.”
Na made the announcement on social media, joining the growing list of PGA Tour members who have opted to attend next week’s opener of the LIV Golf Invitational Series in London rather than the RBC Canadian Open that same weekend.
Kevin Na plays his swing on the 14th hole during the second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I appreciate the platform the tour has given me to play the game I love and the opportunities that come with it,” Na said in an open letter to his fans.
“However, in order to remain a PGA Tour player, I must give up my right to make these decisions about my career. If I exercise my right to choose where and when I play golf, I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without being subject to disciplinary action and legal action from the PGA Tour.
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“I am sad to announce that I have made the decision to retire from the PGA Tour. This was not an easy decision and not an easy decision. I hope the current policies change and I can play on the PGA Tour again.”
Kevin Na of the USA lines up a putt on the 12th green during the second round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta on April 29, 2022 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
The PGA Tour announced last month that it would not grant players requests for time off to attend the rival LIV Golf Invitational.
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“We have informed those who have applied that their application has been denied under PGA Tour Tournament Regulations. Therefore, according to our regulations, tour members are not eligible to attend the Saudi Golf League event in London,” read a memo.
“As a membership organization, we believe this decision is in the best interests of the PGA Tour and its players.”
According to ESPN, 13 PGA Tour players are currently listed as participants in the LIV Golf Invitational, including 2020 Masters tournament champion Dustin Johnson.
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He was dropped by sponsor RBC over its decision as it is the lead sponsor of two major events on the PGA Tour.
Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his shot from the 14th tee during the final round of RBC Heritage at Harbor Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, SC on June 21, 2020 (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images).
“As a result of professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell’s decision to play the opener of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, RBC is terminating its sponsorship agreement with both players. We wish them well in their future endeavors,” the statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.