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We’re a few decades removed from the Foreigner’s heyday, the British-American rock band stringing together its share of hits during the late 1970s and much of the 1980s. Classic tunes such as “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice” and “I Want to Know What Love Is” remain favorites among tribute bands and revelers at karaoke bars.
One can neither confirm or deny the presence of such song selections on any of Harold Varner III’s music playlists. But I doubt the Gastonia, N.C., native and PGA Tour pro would argue the vintage rock band’s “Feels Like the First Time” fit the occasion last weekend.
An opportunity he’d long pursued, Varner participated in his first Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club from April 7-10. The product of Forestview High, just outside Charlotte, finished 3-over for the tournament, tying for 23rd.
A realist, Varner had few expectations of capturing a hallowed green jacket on his first attempt. But if there’s anything local folks have learned about him through the years, the Gastonia talent has an endless well of confidence.
Despite it being his first walk of the famed golf course at a competitive level, Varner seemed right at home between the junipers, magnolias and pink dogwoods of Augusta National. Particularly in the first two rounds of play, shooting consecutive 71s to place him only a few shots back of eventual champion Scottie Scheffler. It also earned him a seat next to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt for a brief interview after finishing play on Friday.
A rough Saturday ended those pursuits, the pristine Georgia golf course introducing Varner to its dark side. He finished the day 7-over par, and 6 over for the tournament. A strong showing (3-under 69) during the final 18 holes allowed him to settle at 3-over in his first Masters Tournament.
A brand ambassador for Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan’s line of golf clothing and shoes, Varner has long looked the part. Blessed with a charming smile and quick wit, the 31-year-old Varner is quickly becoming one of the more likable players on the PGA Tour. Some of that may lie in the fact he speaks from the heart, not afraid to let one know exactly where he stands on matters great and small.
However, it’s as refreshing to find an emerging superstar interested in others as much as their own individual pursuits. Long an advocate for the advancement of golf among youths and teens, the work of Varner’s HV3 Foundation is to bring awareness to the rising cost of entry and access to sports.
Two weeks before accomplishing a lifelong dream, the PGA Tour pro welcomed 156 high school golfers from throughout the Carolinas to Gaston County as part of the third annual HV3 Invitational. Originally expected not to be in town due to obligations at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Varner flew in for the final round and an opportunity to hand the trophy to the winner of the event bearing his name.
“Growing up I experienced those same challenges first hand,” Varner said in the foundation’s mission statement. “I was incredibly fortunate to be able to join a youth program at my local municipal course that allowed me to play unlimited golf for $100 a summer. That $100 was not easy to come by, but was worth scraping together due to the access it afforded.”
I’ve always believed one only gets from this life what they pour into it. While his God-given ability has taken him around the world and back, Varner doesn’t allow himself to stray too far from that little boy spending countless hours on putting greens at the old Gastonia Municipal Golf Course.
In one weekend, the masses were introduced to Varner not as one in a select few Black golfers on the PGA Tour, but also one with the ability to compete week in and week out. And with it, the opportunity to be a blessing to others as shown throughout his professional career.
It’s been a steady brew for Varner, one full of trial, error and growth. Hopefully, that beautiful concoction eventually results in a Tour win for the Gastonia native.
But in the meantime, a hashtag and two words will have to do — #WeHere.
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Joe Hughes writes for the Gaston Gazette, part of the USA Today Network. You can reach Joe at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.