Harold Varner III Excluded from Indiana Course for Unauthorized Six-Some Participation

A local Indiana golf club addressed a conflict involving LIV golfer Harold Varner III and members of the OKGC team, resulting in their removal from the course this week.

Varner, participating in LIV Golf Indianapolis, arrived 30 minutes late at Bear Slide Golf Club in Cicero with a six-person group. The club’s social media stated that while initially accommodated, the group was instructed to split into two threesomes after repeated requests to play as a sixsome.

The group maintained they were simply playing together when club officials claimed they were not visible. Staff contradicted this, asserting all six players teed off and played as a unified group on early holes.

“The starter initially refused but suggested consulting the pro shop,” the club’s post noted. “Mr. Varner approached the pro shop three times about the group size, each time being denied permission, particularly due to play ahead of them.”

Upon reaching the fourth hole, the group reunited despite earlier separation. Club officials stated they were directed to leave after completing the hole, with refunds offered for the tee time. The club denied claims of being told to “leave immediately.”

At the time of removal, other groups were in play behind them on multiple tees. The club emphasized equal enforcement of rules, rejecting suggestions of special treatment due to Varner’s affiliation.

Additional OKGC members present included Talor Gooch, Jason Kokrak, and Graeme McDowell. Varner, who joined LIV after his PGA Tour career, finished Sunday’s final round tied for 16th at 9-under.

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