LIV Golf Invitational Series: Greg Norman “surprised” by Kevin Na’s decision to resign from the PGA Tour | Golf News

Na announced on social media that he quit to avoid facing possible disciplinary and/or legal action for participating in the rival tour; PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan previously told tour members that players who choose to participate in the LIV league face disciplinary action.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman admits he was “surprised” by Kevin Na’s decision to resign from the PGA Tour in order to compete in the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Na was among 42 players initially named on the pitch for the inaugural event of the controversial Saudi-backed series at the Centurion Club this week, with five more added after the Asian Tour event at Slaley Hall on Sunday.

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have refused to grant players the necessary releases to contest the £20m event, with Norman pledging to ‘defend, reimburse and represent’ any sanctioned players if they play Nevertheless.

The extent of the penalties were not disclosed, but Na said he expected to face “disciplinary proceedings and legal action” if he remained a member of the PGA Tour.

“I’m a little surprised, actually,” Norman said in quotes published by the PA news agency. “Players don’t have to resign from the Tour. It was Kevin’s decision for why he wanted to do it.

“I respect the man for making a bold decision. I respect the person for wanting to join us because he knows he has a great opportunity with LIV. I applaud him for that, but he didn’t have to. do it. , from us, because LIV would be there (for him).

“As I have always said, we will support the players. I will support the players as much as necessary, to give them the right to do what they want as independent contractors.”

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson leads the field at the Centurion despite saying he was “fully committed” to the PGA Tour in February, three days after Phil Mickelson’s explosive comments on the England-backed breakaway Saudi Arabia and the PGA Tour have been made public.

“Signing up a DJ is a huge feather in the LIV Invitationals hat, but it’s also another indicator that no matter how big or small you are, you have that opportunity to play somewhere else,” added Norman. “DJ seized that moment and I’m proud of him for doing that.”

Beem: Why did Na quit?

Former PGA Championship winner and Sky Sports analyst Rich Beem called Kevin Na’s decision to resign from the PGA Tour “sad”.

“I still don’t understand why he thinks it’s necessary to part ways with the PGA Tour, unless there’s some method to his madness,” Beem said. sky sports.

“The only thing that makes sense to me is that there’s a benefit along the way, whether it’s monetary or, if it doesn’t perform well, it’s guaranteed more starts in the years to come.

“When you’re playing there for $25 million a week, that potentially means a lot more money. I think it’s sad that he felt the need to withdraw his PGA Tour membership.

“I’m not sure the PGA Tour will pursue him directly, but he felt it was in his best interest. He certainly feels like he has more allegiance to the LIV series than the PGA Tour.”