The PGA Tour has seen its first notable defection to its newly launched rival, LIV Golf.
Longtime tour fixture Kevin Na announced on Saturday that he was walking away in favor of the Saudi-backed breakaway league, which is set to hold its first event next week.
Na, a five-time tour winner, said the decision to walk away after 19 years wasn't easy, but he wanted to exercise his rights "as a free agent" without the looming specter of potential disciplinary action by the PGA.
Na's announcement wasn't completely out of the blue, as he had been rumored to be one of the golfers considering playing in the LIV Golf series.
This week, Na was listed among 13 probables for the league's debut event at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire, U.K.
Tour officials have previously threatened fines, suspensions and potential bans for players participating in unsanctioned events.
The LIV Golf event was set to be held at the same time as the PGA Tour's Canadian Open, sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada. This week, the banking giant ended its sponsorship with two-time major winner Dustin Johnson after Johnson confirmed he too would be playing the LIV Golf Invitational.
Other notable PGA veterans joining in Na and Johnson in London included Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia.
Na earned about $38 million in his nearly two decades on the PGA Tour, ESPN reported. His top finish in a major was seventh place at the 2016 US Open at Oakmont.
In addition to announcing his difficult decision, Na urged his fans to keep an eye on the new league.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram