Harold Varner III’s story is not just about golf. It’s about the evolving role of athletes in a hyper-connected world, where every move is scrutinized and every response is magnified
In choosing LIV Golf, he prioritized his financial future and personal values. In responding to a troll, he demonstrated humility and class.
As he prepares for another outing in Dallas, Varner isn’t just swinging clubs—he’s also navigating the complicated terrain of public opinion with quiet confidence.
Whether you agree with his decisions or not, one thing is clear: Harold Varner III isn’t running from anything. He’s just choosing his path—and walking it with his head held high.
Harold Varner III’s performance over the past two LIV Golf seasons tells the story of a player navigating the ups and downs of professional competition.
2024 was a season of learning and hard knocks, while 2025 has marked a step forward in both results and confidence.
With half of the 2025 season still ahead, Varner remains a compelling figure to watch. If his current form holds, he may yet deliver the breakout moment LIV Golf fans — and Varner himself — have been waiting for.
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Harold Varner III Responds Gracefully to Online Critic
In an era where social media has blurred the line between fans and athletes, professional golfer Harold Varner III recently found himself at the center of digital backlash.1
The former PGA Tour player, now in his fourth season with LIV Golf, was labeled a “greedy bstrd” by a disgruntled commenter who accused him of prioritizing money over competition.
However, instead of retaliating, Varner offered a calm, composed response:
“Thank you Jim. Pleasure hearing your thoughts. Have a great evening.”
This small exchange went viral, not just because of the insult, but because of the way Varner responded—an increasingly rare show of class in online spaces often dominated by negativity and vitriol.
Texas wedge was on 🔥. pic.twitter.com/8IZQVmjDiM
— Harold Varner III (@HV3_Golf) June 28, 2025
The Comment That Sparked the Buzz
The criticism came from a user who lamented Varner’s move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf.
The troll accused him of abandoning competitive integrity for a lucrative paycheck, saying:
“You used to be a household name now you are just another greedy b*st**d that can’t beat the best so you took the money and ran!!”
It’s the kind of criticism that many LIV golfers have faced since the league’s inception in 2022. Detractors argue that LIV’s large signing bonuses and smaller competitive fields diminish the legitimacy of the sport.
But Varner’s calm, almost sarcastically polite response diffused the tension and flipped the narrative.
Harold Varner III’s Move to LIV Golf
Harold Varner III joined LIV Golf in 2022, reportedly signing a deal worth $15 million. At the time, his decision raised eyebrows across the golf community.2
A player who had carved out a solid—if not superstar—career on the PGA Tour, Varner’s defection was seen as symbolic of LIV Golf’s financial pull.
While he never won a PGA Tour event, Varner was a fan favorite, known for his candid interviews, energetic play, and crowd-friendly demeanor.
His decision to switch allegiances was likely not just financial but also practical—offering financial security and a less grueling schedule.
From Contender to Controversy: The Evolution of Varner’s Image
Before his move to LIV, Varner was often perceived as an underdog story—a down-to-earth, likable player who connected with fans.
After joining LIV, some segments of the golf community started to frame him differently. The same qualities that made him relatable were now being scrutinized under a different lens: ambition versus greed, integrity versus opportunity.
Yet through it all, Varner has remained unapologetically himself. He’s acknowledged the financial benefits of joining LIV, stating that it provided opportunities for generational wealth that the PGA Tour couldn’t match.
To many, his honesty about the decision has been refreshing, even if not everyone agrees with the choice.
A Masterclass in Handling Online Hate
Varner’s graceful handling of criticism shows how athletes can respond to negativity without escalating the situation.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become toxic battlegrounds where celebrities are constantly baited into conflict.
By simply thanking the troll, Varner turned a potential war of words into a moment of quiet dignity. It also sent a subtle message: criticism doesn’t define worth, and it certainly doesn’t warrant hostility.
Harold Varner III: Competing at LIV Golf Dallas
Varner is now preparing to compete in the LIV Golf Dallas event at Maridoe Golf Club, a venue where he finished T26 last year after shooting 1-under par.3
Although not a podium finish, it was a solid showing in a competitive field.
Now in his fourth LIV Golf season, Varner continues to find moments of brilliance.
While he may not dominate headlines like Dustin Johnson or Brooks Koepka, his consistency and experience make him a valuable asset to his team and a potential dark horse in any given tournament.
Is the Criticism Fair?
Much of the backlash against LIV Golf players stems from larger debates about tradition versus innovation in professional golf.
Purists argue that players should remain loyal to the PGA Tour, the sport’s historical gold standard. Critics of LIV claim the league lacks competitive depth and is too reliant on guaranteed money.
In that context, Varner’s move is often painted as a betrayal. But the reality is more nuanced. Athletes, like any professionals, make career decisions based on a mix of passion, practicality, and personal values.
If a software engineer switches companies for better pay and work-life balance, they’re praised for smart career planning. Should athletes be held to a different standard?
Public Figures in the Age of Direct Access
Social media gives fans unprecedented access to public figures, but it also removes important filters.
In earlier eras, fans had to write letters or attend press conferences to interact with athletes. Now, a few keystrokes are enough to reach a global audience—and potentially, the athlete themselves.
This access is a double-edged sword. While it fosters connection, it also enables hostility. For every encouraging message an athlete receives, there may be ten that attack their character, performance, or decisions.
Navigating this minefield requires thick skin and an understanding that not every comment deserves a reply.
The Bigger Picture: LIV Golf’s Transformation
- LIV Golf itself has undergone significant evolution since 2022. Initially dismissed as a “cash grab” tour, it now features some of the world’s top players and a rapidly growing fan base.
- With each passing season, the legitimacy of LIV events increases—not just due to high-level competition, but also because of its focus on team formats, global expansion, and digital engagement.
- Harold Varner III’s place within this transformation is emblematic of the league’s wider goals: attract relatable, talented players who aren’t afraid to break from tradition. His journey reflects both the promise and the controversy that LIV Golf represents.
- For fans, media, and fellow athletes, Varner’s calm reply offers a valuable lesson in emotional maturity. Instead of feeding the flames of online controversy, he chose to extinguish them with grace.
- In doing so, he reminded everyone watching that composure and respect still have a place in competitive sports—and especially in digital discourse.
- His response didn’t just silence a critic. It became a subtle PR win, showcasing his character and earning admiration from both fans and fellow pros.
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Harold Varner III’s Journey Through LIV Golf
A Tale of Two Seasons
As the LIV Golf League continues to reshape professional golf with its innovative format and international venues, Harold Varner III has remained a notable name in the field.
Known for his candid personality and fan-favorite status, Varner’s performances over the 2024 and 2025 seasons reflected a blend of steady play, occasional brilliance, and room for improvement.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of his performances in both seasons.
A Resurgence in 2025: Varner’s Top Finishes Shine
The 2025 LIV Golf season has seen Harold Varner III return to form with improved results compared to the previous year.
Most notably, he secured two top-10 finishes — at LIV Golf Adelaide and LIV Golf Miami — signaling progress in consistency and composure under pressure.
At LIV Golf Adelaide, hosted at the Grange Golf Club, Varner posted rounds of 70-71-69 to finish at 6-under-par, tying for seventh place. This strong performance was backed by solid course management and clutch putting in the final round.
Equally impressive was his performance at LIV Golf Miami, where he bounced back from a difficult second round of 76 to finish with an even-par 216, tied for seventh.
His resilience during this tournament stood out, especially considering the challenge presented by the demanding layout of Trump National Doral.
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Consistent Middle-of-the-Pack Finishes Across the 2025 Circuit
Beyond his two standout finishes, Varner’s results in the 2025 season have largely hovered around the top 20.
He finished T18 in Hong Kong, T19 in Singapore, T17 in Mexico City, and 18th in Virginia — each event featuring performances under par.
This consistency, while not headline-grabbing, illustrates Varner’s ability to compete solidly across a range of courses and conditions.
For instance, his 2025 LIV Golf Virginia rounds (72-66-68) showed his capability to go low when needed. The second-round 66 was one of his sharpest scoring displays of the season.
A Low Point in Korea: Struggling With Form
Despite some highs, not every week in 2025 was smooth sailing for Varner. His outing at LIV Golf Korea, held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, was a low point.
He finished 52nd — near the bottom of the leaderboard — with rounds of 77-74-74 for a total of 225 (+9).
It was one of his most challenging performances in the LIV Golf League, highlighting the volatility of form even among seasoned professionals. Poor driving accuracy and missed putts plagued him throughout the week.
Harold Varner III: Improved Scoring Averages in 2025
Looking at his scoring averages, there’s a noticeable improvement in Varner’s ability to keep rounds under par in 2025.
In six out of eight tournaments listed, he finished the event with a cumulative score under par — a clear uptick from 2024, where such performances were fewer and far between.
This trend suggests that Varner spent the offseason working on both the mental and technical aspects of his game — changes that are now paying dividends.
A Tougher 2024 Campaign: Lack of Top Finishes
In contrast to 2025, Harold Varner III’s 2024 LIV Golf season was marked by underwhelming finishes.
He did not register a single top-10 placement throughout the entire season. His best showing came at LIV Golf Chicago, where he tied for 13th with rounds of 69-71-67 (-3).
This lone bright spot in an otherwise average season reflected his struggle to convert solid starts into elite finishes. Many of his placements hovered in the T20–T50 range, indicating inconsistency on the weekends.
Opening Struggles: A Harsh Start at Mayakoba
The 2024 season began on a rough note for Varner at LIV Golf Mayakoba, where he carded rounds of 74-76-77 to finish 54th at 14-over-par. This performance set a difficult tone for the season ahead.
El Camaleón Golf Course is known for its tight fairways and penal rough, but Varner seemed completely out of sync from tee to green. It was his worst result of the season, and one that he failed to fully bounce back from for several events.
Glimmers of Potential in the Middle of the Pack
While 2024 didn’t include any top-10s, Varner did have some respectable finishes that showed his potential.
He placed T15 in Hong Kong (-9), T16 in Nashville (-7), and T20 in the UK (-5). These tournaments showcased his ability to score well under par and handle tough international conditions.
In Nashville, his second-round 64 was among the lowest of the tournament, proving that he had the firepower to compete with the best — just not the week-to-week consistency.
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