Phil Mickelson, left, misses a putt as Kevin Na, right, reacts on the 14th hole during a practice round at the PGA Championship golf tournament on the Ocean Course Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Kiawah Island, S.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Kevin Na wasn’t expecting a certain gift that arrived one winter day as Christmas 2011 approached, and he certainly didn’t make a request for it to Santa Claus.
But the package he ripped open that year nearly moved him to tears.
“It’s the best golf gift I’ve ever gotten,” Na said.
The backstory: Na, who turned professional in 2001, played in his first major championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in the 2005 PGA Championship. From that point on, he made sure to get a pin flag and have it signed by the winner of the tournament. At the end of his 2011 season, Na had 10 flags in his possession.
All were signed.
Except one.
The first one.
Won by Phil Mickelson.
With that empty feeling popping into his mind from time to time, Na’s collection suddenly became complete by way of the helpful – and charitable – hand of Kenny Harms, his trusted caddie and good friend.
“So, Kenny bought one off a golf auction site. I think he paid like $400 for it. And he sent it to me and when I opened the package, it’s was just so special, so great,” said Na, who now has 41 signed flags from majors he’s played in.
“That’s love right there.”
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