MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 8, 2022

Harold Varner III

Butler Cabin

Q. Thank you very much. Harold Varner III. 71, 71 in your first-ever trip here to the Masters. 2-under, one off the lead. I want to get to the round in a moment, but, first, we're sitting and watching. We've been out in the conditions and the wind. You had to play it. How best do you explain how hard it got as the wind really picked up?

HAROLD VARNER III: Yeah, it's playing tough. Obviously, I played well, so I don't really -- I was hitting it where I needed to hit it, so it made it a lot easier, but overall, if there was no wind, the course would be pretty tough. Yeah, I played with Sergio, though, and he birdied the last two, so I don't know how tough it really was. Yeah, played well, and I just think it's going to get even more windier.

Q. The challenge is clear. As the leads backed up, you and I throughout the spring, we've been in contact with one another. It's no secret, I have been pulling for you to get here. We've known each or for for a while. After that great finish at the Players, you know you're locked in. You're coming to Augusta. Now you're here. Now here you and I sit. You're one off the lead, and it's Friday afternoon. How has this week gone based on what you imaged it would be like and feel like to this moment?

HAROLD VARNER III: Obviously, it's been better because I'm talking to you after 36 holes.

Q. That's not exactly a prize, but I understand what you mean.

HAROLD VARNER III: I'll take it. There's a reason I'm in here. We came down here to compete, and you can't treat it as any other tournament. It's a major. I've gotten better at just understanding that I can play with anyone and we're doing that every time, so, yeah, it's super. It's awesome.

Q. I think the thing about you that is so appealing to so many golf fans is you wear that smile and bring the joy, but you have an absolute belief in what you can do. Let's show the folks some of what you have done. I would love for you to describe some of what has gone on. This gives you a little crystal. Now, this is yesterday. Pine straw, why not? What was the number?

HAROLD VARNER III: I know I had to fly it 215. I don't know what the total number is. I don't carry a yardage book. I didn't know how close it was.

Q. Pretty close.

HAROLD VARNER III: As we were walking up there, we were talking about the cyrstal. I told Thomas Pieters, 'how close do you think it is?' Yeah, that was great.

Q. Here's 10 today. This is rather sporting.

HAROLD VARNER III: This was sick.

Q. You said you made it?

HAROLD VARNER III: I was, like, perfect. I'll make an easy par. Make sure it goes in. Yeah, but you've got to put yourself there, and this right here was awesome.

Q. Did you think you made this one?

HAROLD VARNER III: No, I was cleaning my club while it was coming down the hill.

Q. That's a rookie maneuver. You have to keep your eye on the ball because it might roll --

HAROLD VARNER III: If I get too excited, there's no way I hit the fairway on the next one. I haven't seen it yet.

Q. Wait for it.

HAROLD VARNER III: They went nuts.

Q. It's Friday afternoon, and you are playing great. You've got a red number on the board. How do you balance just the emotions and the feelings that have to be inside? I suppose they could get in the way, or they could fuel you. What is that equation for you?

HAROLD VARNER III: The emotions are real, but you handle them and manage them. My wife and my kid are here, so I'm about to go squeeze him. He is going to throw up on me, and it's going to be great.

Q. Good times. Good times. Greeneville, North Carolina, is not too far from here. There should be some purple and gold, right?

HAROLD VARNER III: There's a lot of it. There will be some purple on Sunday, that's for sure.

Q. Harold, it's great to see you here. It's great to have you here. I always say the same thing. Jim is here on Sunday with the green jacket. Way better to come back on the weekend. Play well and give yourself a shot, you hear?

HAROLD VARNER III: Thank you so much.

Q. My friend, well done. Let's get back out to the golf out on 7.