Kevin Na resigns from PGA Tour; will participate in LIV golf series

Kevin Na, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour, announced on Saturday that he has resigned from the tour, instead of facing potential discipline and/or legal action for playing in the rival LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Na, who is ranked 33rd in the world, announced his resignation on social media. Na is believed to be the first player to resign from the PGA Tour because of the tour's position on players competing in the rival series.

Na, a 19-year veteran of the PGA Tour, said he wanted 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,» Na wrote. «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.

»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."

Na, 38, was one of 13 PGA Tour players who were included in the field for the first LIV Golf event, which begins Thursday at Centurion Club outside London. Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia were among the others.

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

On May 11, the PGA Tour denied conflicting-event releases for players who requested them to play in the London tournament, which coincides with the RBC Canadian Open. Sources told ESPN that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told player agents