Golf

Golfer Kevin Na thankful to God after winning first PGA Tour title in 7 years

By Jason Romano Jul 9, 2018
Kevin Na (Photo Courtesy: PGA Tour/Twitter)

It took Kevin Na seven years to win again on the PGA Tour. And it was worth the wait.

Na, 34, shot a 6-under-64 on Sunday en route to a 19-under tournament score and a five-stroke victory at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier. His last PGA Tour victory came in 2011, when he won the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.

“For some reason, I felt like it was my day,” Na told CBS Sports. “Maybe somebody up there looking out for me. I want to thank God. Thank my wife, thank all the loved ones that supported me.”

After speaking in English, Na wanted to share something in his native Korean language, and in doing so, became extremely emotional.

Na was born in Seoul, South Korea and emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of 8. He turned pro at the age of 17 after his family had settled in Southern California. 

After winning his title in 2011, he believed he had many more victories ahead of him. But as the years went by, Na would often be in contention, but never able to finish first — until Sunday.

“I wasn’t sure if it was going to come again. I was hoping it would — sooner than later,” Na said. “My game was starting to feel good this year. My game started turning around this year. I’ve been close so many times, failed so many times.”

Na’s next pursuit will be to win his first major. He’ll have that chance at The Open Championship starting July 19 at Carnoustie Golf Links in Carnoustie, Scotland.

RELATED STORIES:
– Golfing Legend Bobby Jones Was Baptized Three Days Before His Death in 1971
– Touring Together: Inside Bubba Watson and caddy Ted Scott’s unique relationship
– NEW PODCAST: Andrew Yun, PGA Tour Pro
– Webb Simpson wins Players Championship months after father passes away

Tags: