Is LIV Defector Kevin Na Playing in the 2023 Masters?

The time for receiving an invitation to Augusta National is almost running out and will officially end after the completion of the Valero Texas Open. Nonetheless, the faith of golfers who aren’t competing in the ongoing PGA Tour event is decided. Many talented players will miss the invitational Major for failing to fall into the criteria. However, will LIV Golf star, Kevin Na also miss the upcoming Major?

Na has been a PGA Tour player for the past two decades. Having played in the American Tour and Asian Tour, the veteran golfer decided to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf last year. Though he may have made the controversial decision to join the lucrative Tour for its staggering money, he now faces its limitations. With that being said, does this also mean Kevin will miss the first Major of the season?

Has Kevin Na received an invitation to Augusta National?

Although there were initially rumors that Saudi-funded Tour defectors would not be allowed to play in Majors, a clear message was made to the fans at the end of the last year. The Augusta National Golf Club confirmed that LIV Golf players who meet the eligibility criteria will be allowed to participate in the Masters.

A golfer must meet several eligibility requirements to be invited to the prestigious Augusta National. Fortunately for Kevin Na, he does have one of the requirements ticked off. Though the South Korean-born golfer is currently ranked 92nd in the World Golf Rankings, he was among the top 50 ranked golfers at the end of last year.

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This earned him an invitation to Augusta National. While he may have managed to grasp one spot for the Masters this year, being ranked below the top 50 golfers and with no Major win to his name, Na’s last hope for competing in next year’s Masters lies with a win this year. With his future Majors participation at stake next week, how well does the PGA Tour veteran play at Augusta National?

What is Kevin Na’s best finish at the Masters?

Though the 39-year-old golfer has been a pro since 2001, he only made his Augusta National debut in 2010. Since then, Na has only missed the first Major of the season twice in his career. His best finish at the Masters has been 12th position which he achieved during 2012, 2015, and 2021 editions.

Nonetheless, he recorded his best score during the 2020 Masters after scoring a total of 8 under par, which placed him tied for 13th position. If Kevin Na wishes to return to Augusta National next year too, he will have to win the Green Jacket this season. But with high competition around him, will the LIV defector earn the lifetime invitation?

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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