By Herschel Caldwell
Harold Varner III nabed spot at British Open with stellar play….
Ray Farnell, Harold Varner III’s caddie, was aware how close Varner was to qualifying for the 2016 British Open at Royal Troon in Scotland in the late stages of the Quicken Loans National .
“I just knew when we got on the 14th green, I knew 9 under was a good number to get to because 8 under seemed a logjam,” Farnell said. “Definitely the thinking on 17 was a little more defensive from my end, knowing what was on the line compared to a normal week.”
When Varner, 25, made par on the par-4 18th hole at Congressional Country Club, Farnell walked over to Varner, telling him that he had played well enough to qualify.
Varner said he had no idea what his caddie was talking about.
“As soon as we got done, [Farnell] said, ‘That’s enough.’ I said, ‘Enough for what?’?” Varner said. “I wish we had more holes. We got our asses kicked. I didn’t know, really. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but that’s whatever. Just trying to birdie every hole.”
[Thomas Boswell: Billy Hurley III wins as an officer and a gentleman]
Varner finished seventh at 9 under par after shooting a 1-under 70 on Sunday. He reached the British Open by finishing in the top four among players at the Quicken Loans National who had not already qualified.
Varner has played in one major, the 2013 U.S. Open, and is looking forward to the opportunity to play in another. “It’s very exciting,” Varner said.“You don’t want to go over there and lay an egg.”
When Varner arrived to the clubhouse, he was given a British Open flag, which he said he will give to his mother, and a player badge. He was told not to lose the badge, but he joked that he probably will. After the big week, Varner’s looking forward to some much deserved time off.
“I’m ready to go home tonight and sleep in my bed,” Varner said. “And ride jet skis tomorrow. That’s all I want to do.”
(Harold Varner III is taking time during the wrap around season to work on his game and get ready for the grueling part of the 2017 PGA Tour season.
