What better place to start than Queenstown's Millbrook Resort in the New Zealand Open.

The five-time PGA Tour winner is speaking glowingly about his first trip to New Zealand, mesmerised by the southern stars and panoramic mountain ranges. A guy who has historically come across as slightly prickly with the media and fans is looking and sounding fresh, laughing with the press, signing autographs and having a great time in this part of the world.

It could lead to more. The American was let go from his LIV Golf contract and is open to playing more events in the southern hemisphere, admitting the Australian Summer of Golf looks like an exciting prospect for a freed-up Na, who is genuinely a Free Agent now.

"If the schedule makes sense and if they're willing to give me an invite, I think I'm interested in playing [events in Australia]," Na told Golf Australia Magazine.

"I think Australia has some great events: the Australian PGA, the Australian Open.

"Being able to travel to different parts of the world which you want to see and at the same time play some golf. I think it's pretty cool.

"Some of the events are cool and this is one of them."

Regarding playing status, Na has no plans. He responded with a flat "no" when this writer asked whether a return to LIV was on the cards. He added that he wasn't looking for a PGA Tour return at this point; he is just taking this newfound freedom.

"Right now, look, I think it's one step at a time," Na told media.

"Obviously, the PGA Tour is an amazing place. I really enjoyed my 19-year season there, and we'll see how it goes."

He looks back on his time on LIV fondly, but isn't going to be stuck staring into the rear-view mirror.

"I enjoyed it [his time on LIV]. I thought it was great. It was a great product. I think it was a part of my life which I gave my all to while I was there.

"I'm happy to move on. Excited about my next chapter."

Kevin Na at LIV Adelaide in 2025. PHOTO: Getty Images.

The next chapter starts here at Millbrook, where Na has made sure to get maximum enjoyment out of his maiden trip to one of the world's hottest tourist destinations, which included leaving the kids at home.

"What a way to start the next chapter of my life in New Zealand.

"Last night, we were looking at the stars, and, oh, my gosh, it's so beautiful.

"We were just sitting in the parking lot looking up and had this wonderful moment with everybody, including my wife. My wife is here. No kids.

"Being able to travel to different parts of the world that you want to see and at the same time play some golf. I think it's pretty cool." - Kevin Na.

"She's excited as well to get away from three kids. As much as we love our kids, we need a break once in a while," Na laughs.

"We've been adventuring out. Going to Queenstown just about every night to dinner. Yesterday, we went on a gondola ride and went up there. Wow, it was beautiful. Tonight, we're probably going to go to Arrowtown, check that out. We're having a blast."

A refreshed and relaxed Na is a daunting prospect for his competitors. He has been playing at the highest level for over two decades, has multiple wins on the PGA Tour and has the best resume of anyone in the field.

In terms of his goals from now on, there aren't many. For a guy who has been in the top percentile of professional golfers for such a long time, he's just looking to enjoy himself and feel young again. You can tell from his voice how content and genuine he is as he outlines what he wants to do with his career going forward, and it is refreshing to hear a player speak so openly about what has changed and why he is doing what he does.

"I want to have some fun. I think sometimes we get caught up in performance and whatever other things are going on.

"I want to be that kid again.

"When you first start playing, and you travel to different parts of the world. You're excited.

"Maybe when you do this for a long time, sometimes that fades away. But I know it's still there.

"I'm really excited this week. I think I want to find that bubbly, exciting feeling again."