Players Championship 2012 Results: Kevin Na's Meltdown Comes as No Surprise

With the mental demons swirling around inside his head, it's no wonder Kevin Na fell apart at TPC Sawgrass.

After carrying a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Players Championship, Na crumbled under the pressure. He bogeyed six of his first 13 holes (after bogeying just seven in the first three rounds) and finished the round with a four-over 76. 

He plummeted down the leaderboard almost immediately and settled in a tie for seventh when it was all over. His day was made even harder when he was forced to deal with constant heckling from the fans.

With his never ending pre-swing routine and admitted psychological problems at the tee, Na has become an easy target for loud, classless—and probably drunk, if you believe CBS' Mike Freeman—spectators.

He has been chastised lately for his seemingly rude habit of taking what seems like forever to hit the ball. But when he explained his thought process, everyone realized just how amazing he was that he was playing so well.

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“There’s a lot going on in my head,” he said with a laugh.

“And I’m not being nice to myself, trust me. I’m ripping myself. As ugly as it is and painful as it is, believe me, it’s really tough for me, and I’m trying.”

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Of course, after hearing quotes like this, Na's complete collapse in the final round at TPC was one of the most predictable outcomes in sports history.

You don't admit to the world that you're screaming at yourself in anger, then go out and win a golf tournament the next day. It just doesn't work that way.

It's a shame that the fans treated him so harshly, because Na seems like a genuinely good guy who's battling a serious issue. And if he is never able to escape his own mind at the tee, an incredible golf talent will have been wasted.

Watching Na play on Sunday was one of the most uncomfortable ways you could have spent your afternoon. But anybody who says they were surprised simply hasn't been paying attention.

I like Kevin Na. I want him to win and to be happy and to flip a proverbial middle finger to everyone who heckled him at Sawgrass.

Until he conquers his demons, however, collapses like this will define his career.