Na resigns from PGA to play new series

Kevin Na became the first player to publicly resign from the PGA Tour on Saturday, four days after the Saudi-financed LIV Golf Invitational listed him in the field for next week’s debut of the new series.

Na is one of six players to have resigned, according to a person with knowledge of their decisions. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the rest of the players have not made announcements. Na announced his decision on social media.

Na is No. 33 in the world and among four players from the top 50 who have signed up for Saudi riches to play in Greg Norman’s new league of 48-man fields over 54 holes and as much as $25 million in prizemoney for each event.

The first one starts next Friday outside London.

“I would like the freedom to play wherever I want and exercising my right as a free agent gives me that opportunity,” he wrote.

Horschel grabs big lead

Billy Horschel is more concerned with the way he is playing than the size of his lead at the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio. Either way, he’s in good shape going into the final round.

On a Muirfield Village course that is getting increasingly firmer, Horschel hasn’t made a bogey since the 10th hole of his opening round. There were five players tied for the lead at one point. Horschel finished the day five shots ahead after a 7-under65.

Horschel chipped in for birdie on his opening hole. Everything else was simply solid, with only one other birdie putt outside the 10-foot range.

Hewas at 13-under 203, five shots clear of Aaron Wise (69) and Cameron Smith (72).

Alker at it again

Steven Alker topped yet another PGA Tour Champions leader board, shooting an 8-under 64 for a share of the second-round lead in the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.

Coming off a victory last week in Michigan in the major Senior PGA Championship, Alker played the four par-5 holes at Wakonda Club in 5 under — making an eagle and three birdies — to match fast-closing Jerry Kelly, firstround leader Kirk Triplett and Brett Quigley at 13-under 131.

Hole in one highlight

A hole in one helped Victor Perez take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the European Open in Winsen, Germany. The Frenchman, winner of the Dutch Open last weekend, shot a 1-under 71 thanks to a great start at Green Eagle, a birdie on the par-4 first hole and a hole in oneon the par-3 second.