Kevin Na has become the first golfer to officially resign from the PGA Tour, freeing himself to play in the Saudi-funded LIV Invitational Series without risk of punishment.
A number of high-profile golf stars have announced their decision to jump ahead of the inaugural LIV event at the Centurion Club in St. Albans starting June 9. Former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer are among those joining the breakaway competition.
But the PGA has been clear in its stance that any players who participate in the LIV event will be sanctioned. Players would also presumably be prevented from featuring in any of golf's four majors if they take part in the eight Saudi-backed tournaments.
"For 19 years I’ve played on the PGA Tour and I have loved every minute of it," wrote Na in a statement posted on Twitter. "I appreciate the platform the tour has provided me to play the game that I love.
"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 play golf, then I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action." Na continued to say he hopes the rules can one day change so that he's permitted back on the PGA Tour.
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A total of 42 players have already been confirmed to line up for LIV's rebel event in Hertfordshire this month. Another six names are expected to be confirmed this week, with Phil Mickelson being heavily linked with the breakaway league.
Na, 38, has won five PGA Tour events from more than 450 starts, having first turned professional in 2001. His best major result was his run to seventh place at the 2016 U.S. Open, one of only two top-10 finishes he's mustered at any of golf's four premiere events.
Each LIV Invitational event is expected to boast a $25million (£20m) prize purse, with $4m (£3m) of that going to the first-place finisher. Na has earned more than £30m from his pro career to date but will hope to boost that number significantly by joining the LIV split.
