Kevin Na announces resignation from PGA Tour over desire to play in Saudi-backed golf league

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Five-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na announced Saturday he is resigning from the tour to pursue playing in the rival Saudi-backed golf series and avoid "facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action."

Na made the announcement on social media, joining the growing list of PGA Tour members who have opted to participate in the LIV Golf invitational Series opener in London next week instead of the RBC Canadian Open that same weekend. 

Kevin Na plays his shot on the 14th hole during the second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club April 8, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.  (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

"I appreciated the platform the Tour has provided me to play the game that I love and for the opportunities that have come with it," Na said in an open letter addressed to his fans. 

"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 Tour.

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"I am sad to share that I have chosen to resign from the PGA Tour. This has not been an easy decision and not one taken lightly. I hope the current policies change, and I'll be able to play on the PGA Tour again."

Kevin Na of the U.S. lines up a putt on the 12th green during the second round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta April 29, 2022, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.  (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

The PGA Tour announced last month that it would not be granting players’ requests for release to compete in the