THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

March 10, 2022

Harold Varner

TPC Sawgrass

Quick Quotes

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Q. Tough game, isn't it.

HAROLD VARNER III: It's a game. That's why we play it. No one is going to die out there. I've always said that. Just was in between clubs and didn't execute the shot, and that's what you get a lot out here. Either you get it done or you don't.

I guess I was more disappointed by not hitting a better shot off the tee on 18 because it's how you respond, and that's what I have to do either Saturday morning or tomorrow, I believe. Maybe, I hope tomorrow.

Q. 16 really good holes, wasn't it?

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, 16 great holes. Hopefully I can do it again.

Q. It looked like the iron play was good.

HAROLD VARNER III: Everything was good. If you could repeat it -- I mean, I would like to hole a few more putts, but it's just -- even it being soft like this, it's a tough place. I've played here a lot, living here for a little bit of my life, so I know and understand how hard it can be.

But the coolest thing that happened today was Will Zalatoris's caddie found my ball on the 1st hole plugged with like five seconds left before I had to go back to the tee. He stepped on it. It could have been totally different, so I'm super fortunate just to be obviously in the clubhouse. It was a long day. I think it's going to be a long week, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to just have a chance.

I think the scores are out there, but once again, just like that, it can be gone.

Q. Where did you think the ball was going to end up when it left your club face off the tee?

HAROLD VARNER III: Well, not in the water. Yeah, it just spun pretty hard. I hit it where I wanted to, just didn't go -- I think if it would have been a little further right, it would have had a better chance, but it is what it is. It's golf.

Q. What club was it?

HAROLD VARNER III: I hit wedge. Just should have hit like an easy 9, but it's golf. You can think about it now. I just know whenever I get the chance tomorrow, I'll be ready.

Q. How scared were you on the dropped shot --

HAROLD VARNER III: Well, I was s---ing my pants when I got up there because the angle was just so bad. I wasn't sure. I got up there, and it was just a little funky, but I was more scared that it might go in the water again. When it was coming down, I was like, not another one.

But it doesn't kill me when I play bad or good. I love just the opportunity to play as well as I can. Standing there on 16 tee or 17 tee, I'm like, give it to me, I want it every time.

Q. Do you guys practice the drop zone shots?

HAROLD VARNER III: No, I don't.

Q. Back on 17 did you think it could roll back into the lake?

HAROLD VARNER III: A hundred percent. I've seen it a thousand times. Just happened to be me this time. There will be more balls in there. Might be mine. Might be someone else's.

Q. How did it play different? Obviously it rained overnight. How did the course play different in that three-hour stretch this morning versus once you guys came back around 3:15?

HAROLD VARNER III: I thought it was very similar. It was soft. I was playing well, so I don't think it mattered how it played, to be honest with you. That's my take on it. Yeah, I'm sure somebody else could give you more detail. It was super soft, just hit it and go do it again.

Q. Since you got into the top 50 in the world, have you been looking at the rankings every week and obviously --

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, yeah.

Q. You know what's at stake here.

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, every week. It's important, I want to get to Augusta. I've always wanted to be there, and if not, like look at it -- you're always looking at the score of a basketball game. I think it's messed up how the World Rankings work now that I'm paying more attention to it. Like you can not play and move up, so it's pretty odd. But I'm glad I don't have to crunch the numbers, but it is what it is, and I think I'll have a great opportunity to get to Augusta.

Q. Are you playing next week?

HAROLD VARNER III: Yes, I'm playing all the way until Match Play.

Q. So next week and Match Play?

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, put it in my hands, no one else's.

Q. How have you felt after Saudi?

HAROLD VARNER III: Arizona I felt terrible. The jet lag was real. Did not recover very well. Obviously it's really good to hear all the talk about the Saudi league and all that stuff. My name went right to the top of the list, and I do have to commend Jay for sitting down and talking to me and being totally open about -- I look at Jay as a friend, but it's pretty odd how my name just went straight to the top of the list.

You do your job, that's what you do, and I thought that was pretty odd. I've always supported the PGA TOUR when they needed me, and I want to be there.

Q. Did you get some blowback after that?

HAROLD VARNER III: No, I could just tell how it happened. I didn't get any blowback. No, I just know. I'm not stupid.

Q. Seriously, I don't understand --

HAROLD VARNER III: I'm just saying whenever you go on social media you can see that people talk about it.

Q. Because you --

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, if I wouldn't have won, no one would have talked about it.

Q. But it was a heck of a win --

HAROLD VARNER III: I agree. You don't have to remind me. It's a reason why I have a chance to play at Augusta.

Q. Have you learned anything about yourself as you've had time to reflect?

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, it means a lot. I've been working my tail off. I feel like I'm getting better, but it's just so hard to win. You and I have talked about it since I was a kid. I just want to do it out here now, just keep getting better.