It wasn’t a great start to what many consider a potential statement week for LIV golf.
Kevin Na, who was part of the first group off the tee, withdrew from the 2023 Masters with an undisclosed illness after an ugly front nine.
Na was seen struggling on the hilly Georgia course.
As one Twitter user wrote alongside a video, “Why is Kevin so sad?”
Na started his day with a double bogey on the first hole.
After a birdie on the par-5 second hole, Na bogeyed five of his last seven holes before calling it a tournament.
“I was telling Kenny [Harms]My caddy, to say it feels like it’s been over a year since I’ve been here,” Na said earlier in the week. According to the Golf Channel.
“I think part of the reason is that I haven’t seen some of my friends who play on a different tour, and I haven’t seen everybody in a long time. Maybe that’s the reason.”
The 39-year-old Na had qualified for the Masters by joining the top 50 players in the world rankings.
He will slide down those rankings and likely be unable to play next year at Augusta, as LIV Golf Tour World Ranking points are not eligible.
Na had 15 career starts at the Masters and a top-15 finish in each of the past three years.
As the first group off, not only was playing 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir.
The Canadian, Ware, was also dominant through 12 holes.
Na was one of 18 LIV golfers who withdrew from the PGA Tour at Augusta.
Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed – both past champions – were among the starting LIV golfers.
