Harold Varner III

In a sport that is often associated with tradition and exclusivity, Harold Varner III stands out as a trailblazer who is breaking barriers and expanding the horizons of golf. As a golfer who is both African-American and a college graduate, Varner has faced challenges and skepticism from some quarters of the golfing world, but he has also gained a loyal following and a reputation as a fearless competitor and a charismatic personality.

Born on August 15, 1990, in Akron, Ohio, Varner grew up in a family that was passionate about sports. His father, Harold Varner Jr., was a former professional boxer who instilled in his son a love of competition and a determination to succeed. Varner Jr. also introduced his son to golf, and Varner III quickly took to the sport, showing impressive skill and dedication.

After graduating from high school, Varner III attended East Carolina University, where he played on the golf team and earned a degree in marketing. During his college years, Varner III honed his golfing abilities and gained a reputation as a consistent and focused player who was able to keep his cool under pressure.

In 2012, Varner III turned professional and began his career on the Web.com Tour. After a few years of steady improvement and solid performances, he earned his PGA Tour card for the 2016-17 season. That year, he made a splash by finishing in the top 10 at several events, including the U.S. Open, and earning over $2 million in prize money.

Since then, Varner III has continued to impress with his golfing skills and his tenacity on the course. He has also gained a devoted following of fans who appreciate his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and his willingness to speak out on social and political issues.

One of Varner III’s most notable moments came during the 2020 Charles Schwab Challenge, when he wore a black glove on his hand and wrote “BLM” (Black Lives Matter) on his golf shoes in response to the nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Varner III’s gesture sparked both praise and criticism, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to using his platform as a golfer to raise awareness and promote change.

In addition to his activism and his golfing achievements, Varner III is also known for his fashion sense, often sporting brightly colored clothes and stylish accessories on the course. He has even designed his own line of hats and apparel, which feature his signature “HV3” logo and have become popular among golf fans.

Despite his successes and his growing fan base, Varner III remains humble and focused on improving his game. He has spoken in interviews about the challenges he has faced as a black golfer and the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the sport, but he has also emphasized the importance of hard work, practice, and mental toughness in achieving success.

As Varner III continues to make waves in the world of golf, he is proving that golf can and should be a sport that welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives. His determination, talent, and charisma are inspiring a new generation of golfers and showing the world that there is always room for innovation and change in this venerable sport.