Norman applauds Na’ s move

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

Na was among the 42 players initially named in the field for the inaugural event of the controversial Saudi-backed series at 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 required releases to contest the £20 million event, with Norman vowing to “defend, reimburse and represent” any players sanctioned if they play.

The scale of any sanctions has not been revealed, but Na said he anticipated facing “disciplinary proceedings and legal action” if he had remained a PGA Tour member.

“I’m a bit surprised,” Norman said.

“The players don’t have to resign from the tour. That was Kevin’s decision for whatever reason he wanted to make it.

“I respect the man for making a bold decision.

“I respect the person for wanting to come on board with us, because he knows he has a great opportunity with LIV.

“I respect the man for making a bold decision

“I’ll applaud him for it but he didn’t have to, from our behalf, because LIV would be there (for him).”

● Phil Mickelson is to compete in the opening event of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series this week.

The 51-year-old six-time major winner has not played since controversial comments about the breakaway series and the PGA Tour were published in February.

Mickelson said in a statement: “First and foremost, I want to again apologise to the many people I offended and hurt with my comments a few months ago.

“I have made mistakes in my career in some of the things I have said and done.

“Taking time away and self-reflecting has been very humbling.”

OPPORTUNITY: Greg Norman is the figurehead for the Saudi-backed LIV Series.