Kevin Na Confirms First Start Since LIV Golf Exit

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Once again, for 2026, the New Zealand Open will provide the chance for players to earn their spot at one of golf's four Majors, specifically The Open Championship.

It's an opportunity for those not listed in the Major field to qualify for golf's oldest championship and, among those currently teeing it up in New Zealand on February 26 - March 1st, is Kevin Na, who has endured an interesting time of late.

Kevin Na hits a driver — Na last teed it up at the PIF Saudi International in November 2025

Having not played a professional tournament since the Asian Tour's Saudi International in mid-November, where he finished in a share of 42nd, it will signify the first start of the year for Na, who left the LIV Golf League at the beginning of this year.

Previously, the five-time PGA Tour winner was the captain of the Iron Heads GC, a position he held since joining the circuit in June 2022, with Na playing four seasons on the LIV Golf League.

Finishing 44th in his final year on LIV, claiming just three top 20s and barely making it into the Open Zone, Na was replaced by Byeong Hun An, with the Iron Heads GC brand becoming Korean Golf Club.

Kevin Na walks with his caddie — Na's final LIV Golf appearance came on August 17th 2025

Many wondered what would happen to Na, who racked up $2 million in his final season on the League, with it then recently revealed that he had applied for PGA Tour reinstatement.

Along with Na, Pat Perez and Hudson Swafford also joined the American in reinstating their memberships and, although Swafford and Perez will be eligible again at the beginning of January 2027, a time frame hasn't been put on when Na will be able to return.

For now then, it appears he will ply his trade elsewhere, with one of those tournaments appearing to be the New Zealand Open, where a NZ$2 million purse is up for grabs, as well as a spot at The Open Championship.

Ryan Peake holds the New Zealand Open trophy — Ryan Peake secured his spot at The Open Championship in 2025 following a one shot victory at the New Zealand Open

In terms of a potential return for Na to the PGA Tour, it's worth noting that he is 41st in the PGA Tour's Official Money List but, with his last LIV event coming in August 2025, he would have to wait until the 17th of that month. at the earliest, for a potential return.

According to the PGA Tour: "Players among the Top 50 in career earnings as of the end of the preceding season may elect to use a one-time exemption for the next season."

Of course, that would depend on the severity of the fine he is handed by the PGA Tour, who will announce information at a later date.

Seemingly, it appears Na might pick-and-choose tournaments on other circuits then, such as the Asian Tour. What's more, given his success on the PGA Tour, it may well be that he could receive sponsor's invites to DP World Tour events, also.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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