After weeks of anticipation, the Masters is underway providing the best competition in the sport. While many were excited to watch a showdown between the PGA Tour players and LIV Golf defectors, one among the Saudi-funded Tour players has already withdrawn from the Major. With still plenty of time for the conclusion of the first round, let’s take a look at which golfer is the first to depart from Augusta National.
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The ongoing Masters is among the most anticipated Majors this year due to the cold war among the players of both Tours. Several LIV Golf stars have earned a lifetime invitation to the iconic Major by winning the Green Jacket in the past. However, some others golfers received the invite the hard way by falling into other criteria. Unfortunately for one golfer, his time at Augusta National is up after a poor first nine holes.
LIV Golf star is out of the Masters
The world of golf has high expectations from the lucrative Tour players to give tough competition to their former Tour colleagues. Among many of the defectors, fans had high hopes for the Iron Heads GC Captain, Kevin Na at Augusta National. The LIV star qualified for the Major after finishing among the top 50 golfers in the OWGR at the end of last year.
🚨JUST IN: Kevin Na withdraws from #TheMasters after struggling early
Nonetheless, the fairytale win at Augusta National for Na came crashing down before it even began. The 39-year-old began his first Masters round with a double bogey at par 4 Tea Olive. Though he scored a birdie on the Pink Dogwood and Yellow Jasmine, he continued his bogey session at four other holes.
After completing his first nine holes alongside his round partner, Mike Weir, he decided to pull out of the Major due to an undisclosed illness. During his withdrawal, Kevin was placed last on the leaderboard. This was his 12th start at the Masters, and he had finished inside the top 15 in his past three Masters appearances.
But with him falling out of the top 50 ranked golfers in the world, Kevin Na may never have the opportunity to play in the Masters unless he wins any other Majors, or OWGR starts providing points to LIV Golf events. Regardless, golf fans shared their thoughts following the big setback for Na and the lucrative Tour as a whole.
Golf world reacts to LIV star’s withdrawal from Masters
Let’s take a look at what the golf world had to say:
LIVer damage.
And yet the LIV guys claim they play “competitive golf”… a double and 4 bogies on the first 9 isnt gunna cut it
Norman going to make him hangout until Sunday to storm the green
Competition weeds out the weakest first
LIV pussy, got everything he deserves! Stay out of Augusta you piece of shit!
And this is the issue..he doesn’t care..no heart to play anymore..he’s guaranteed money on his other tour!..gave that spot to some guy who has heart and gives a f@&k!
Regardless of what Tour a player plays in, withdrawal from the Masters is surely heartbreaking. Hopefully, Kevin Na can make a quick comeback for a better season later.
What do you think of Na’s withdrawal from the Masters? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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