One of the latest LIV Golf rebels Harold Varner III has released an honest statement following his controversial move, conceding opinions on him 'may have changed'. Varner was announced as one of the Saudi-backed circuit's newest stars on Tuesday, alongside Open champion Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Marc Leishman, Anirban Lahiri and Cameron Tringale.
The LIV Series - led by former world No. 1 Greg Norman - has sent shockwaves around the world of golf in recent months, and has once again landed a dent in the armour of the PGA Tour by luring away six more of their stars. Their moves have been criticised by many in the world of golf, and Varner admitted he is well aware of the backlash that is to follow.
After confirming his move, the American noted: "Your opinion of me may have changed because of this announcement. No lie, that'll be tough to deal with. But I haven't changed - I'm still me. I promise you that.
The breakaway circuit has made no secret of the mega-money they have on offer, with defectors receiving multi-million pound signing on fees whilst also competing for lucrative prize purses. Varner referenced the financial benefits he will reap from making the move, and revealed it was ‘too good of a financial breakthrough to pass by’.
He wrote: "The truth is my life is changing. The opportunity to join LIV Golf is simply too good of a financial breakthrough for me to pass by. I know what it means to grow up without much.
"This money is going to ensure that my kid and future Varners will have a solid base to start on - and a life I could have only dreamt about growing up. Also revealing that the money will help support his charity that helps children get into golf - the HV3 Foundation - he added: "It’ll also help fund many of the programs I’m building with my Foundation.
"I’ll continue to forge pathways for kids interested in golf. This note is a receipt of for that." The 32-year-old broke onto the PGA Tour in 2015, and since proved a fan favourite with those watching on. His move to LIV though means he will face the same consequences as his fellow defectors, in being suspended by the American-based circuit.
What do you make of Varner's reasoning for joining LIV Golf? Let us know in the comments section below.
Despite this, Varner still paid tribute to the Tour he had spent the majority of his professional career on in his statement. "The PGA Tour has been a life changer. It's given me, an ordinary kid from rural Gastonia, North Carolina, the opportunity to make something out of my life," wrote the American.
"From my fellow players to the volunteers, to the Tour employees, to the fans... it's been nothing but love.” The 32-year-old will make his LIV debut this week when he tees it up in Boston for the series' fourth event.
