Case For The Defence

from Golf Digest Middle East - January 2023

by Motivate Media Group

The Fringe

the fifth edition of the PIF Saudi International is nearly upon us, and it is shaping up to be a cracker as Harold Varner III looks to defend his title against one of the strongest fi elds.

Some of the top stars are expected to return to Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City near Jeddah at the start of February, with the likes of previous winners Dustin Johnson (twice) and Graeme McDowell chasing the $1 million top prize from the $5 million purse.

But HV3, DJ and G-Mac will have their work cut out if any one of them is to take the trophy home once again, with the likes of world No. 3 Cameron Smith and major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Paul Casey and a fi t-again Bubba Watson all expected to return to one of the hottest courses in world golf at the moment. Along with the men’s and ladies’ Saudi Internationals last year, Royal Greens also hosted the fi nal individual stage of the inaugural LIV Golf season — where Koepka triumphed — followed by the Aramco Team Series fi nale, which was won by Dubai-based teen sensation Chiara Noja.

One rising star to keep an eye on is Indonesia’s Naraajie E Ramadhanputra, who will tee it up against some of the best players in the world after winning the PIF Saudi Open in style at Riyadh Golf Club to earn his spot at the International.

Ahead of last year’s event, the Saudi International switched from the DP World Tour to become the rejuvenated Asian Tour’s fl agship event, with prize money to match its new status.

After three seasons as one of the former European Tour’s highest-ranking events, the Saudi International was relaunched as the Asian Tour’s new “marquee” event in a landmark 10year agreement.

below:

Harold Varner III goes wild a er his 92 putt on the 18th at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club secured the 2022 Saudi International title

While the full fi eld has yet to be confi rmed, Varner is in the early stages of his pre-season preparations ahead of his title defence. ‘HV3’, as he is known, has been relaxing during the LIV Golf off -season with his young family, but he is well aware of what is just around the corner. The American made global headlines and triggered a glut of viral videos when he drained an outrageous 92ft putt on the 18th hole to win the title last February — an eagle three meaning he beat Watson by one stroke, a feat matched only by his outburst of emotion on the green. Having just returned from a well-earned vacation following his fi rst campaign with LIV Golf, the 32-year-old and relatively new parent was enjoying those precious family moments as 2022 came to a close. While family comes fi rst during the festive period — young Liam (aka HV4) was keen to get in on our conversation — Varner was beginning to get back into the swing for the 2023 campaign now the suitcases are unpacked. “I ain’t been doing anything since Miami [LIV Golf Team Championship in October] really,” he told Golf Digest Middle East. “I have just been hanging in there, playing a few fun rounds and a pro-am in Florida. But nothing crazy and enjoying my time off .” I don’t know if I am more relaxed now, but I know I am capable enough

to win again –HAROLD VARNER III

Past Saudi International winners Johnson and McDowell boast three majors between them, but Varner is not feeling any pressure coming in to defend his title at Royal Greens.

“I just want to be ready to play well and focus on my game,” he said. “I hadn’t won a title since, I think, in 2016/17 in Australia, but that has given me a bit of an idea of how to go about it. I am familiar with it, but my first job is to just go out there and play really good golf and that is all you are really trying to do.

“I won’t do anything crazy or think about what happened last year or two years ago. I just wanna get out there, get going, put my head down and see how it goes.”

HV3’s triumph at the Saudi International was his first in six years, and second overall, and the Ohio native is at peace now that that second crown has been secured.

“I don’t know if I am more relaxed now, but I now know I am capable enough to win again and when you haven’t won it can get harder and harder to get there,” he admitted.

“It’s your own race and you are trying to run it as best as you can. It can be easy to get caught up in what others are doing but I have been busy with my own stuff and I focus on that, my family, fitness, things like that.”

Following the partnership between Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour, Varner is delighted to see the progress being made in the game, including for the ladies, who will be competing for an equal purse of $5 million a fortnight after the men in Jeddah.

“While golf has been the talk of all sport recently, which is something I don’t get into, I play golf to make money and I am sure the girls are all trying to do the same,” he said. “If you are in a business you are trying to maximise your money. My goal is to do what I do best and it certainly is a big deal for the girls. It was all over social media and everyone is talking about it so there is definite progress.

“One hundred per cent what has happened this year has helped raise awareness of golf across the board. I am paying attention to the ladies game more now as a result of the contributions and support from Golf Saudi and Aramco.

“It has been great to be a part of it, from winning in Saudi, to the inaugural LIV series and now with the news of parity for the ladies. Also the team events are such a great addition and certainly the most fun part for me!

“Come 2023, I will be prepared for anything and everything and I am really looking forward to it.”

HV3 has seen the game change since his debut in 2012.

“I think golf is in a great spot right now,” he added. “With all the technology advances and stats, that’s cool if it helps but I just want to be one of the best golfers in the world.”

A title defence in Saudi come February would certainly help on that front.