LIV Golf Star Harold Varner III Asked to Leave Indiana Course Over Group Size Dispute

What Happened? (The ELI5 Version)

Imagine you book a table for four at a restaurant, but you show up 30 minutes late with six people. The restaurant says, "We can seat you at two tables of three," but your group insists on sitting together at one big table. The manager explains it’s against policy because it blocks the walkway for other customers. You keep asking, so they tell you three times: "No, you can’t do that." You sit at separate tables anyway, but then halfway through the meal, you push the tables together. The manager sees this, asks you to pay and leave, gives you a refund, and says you’re not welcome back.

That’s basically what happened at Bear Slide Golf Club in Indiana on August 18—except the "customers" were professional golfers, including Harold Varner III and members of his LIV Golf team, OKGC.

Why Do Golf Courses Care About Group Size?

Golf isn’t just about hitting the ball; it’s about pace of play. Think of a golf course like a one-lane highway:

Important Point: Most clubs cap groups at four players (a "foursome") or sometimes three ("three-ball"). Larger groups slow down play for everyone on the course. That’s why Bear Slide said no to a six-some.

Timeline of Events: Step by Step

1. Booking: Varner reserved a tee time for a foursome (4 players).
2. Arrival: The group arrived ~30 minutes late with six golfers total.
3. Club’s Solution: The starter offered to split them into two separate three-balls (groups of 3) so they could still play.
4. Pushback: The group questioned why they couldn’t all play together as a six-some.
5. First "No": The starter explained club policy prohibits groups larger than four.
6. Pro Shop Visit: Varner was directed to the pro shop, where staff told him three separate times that a six-some was not allowed, especially with groups waiting behind them.
7. Tee Off: The two three-balls started separately and played holes 1–3 that way.
8. Rule Breach: On the 4th hole, out of sight of the clubhouse, the two groups merged and played together as six.
9. Staff Observation: Club staff watched all six players tee off and putt together on the 4th hole. They also noted multiple groups waiting behind them (on the 4th tee, 3rd hole, and 2nd hole).
10. Removal: After the 4th green, staff asked the group to return their carts and leave.
11. Resolution: All six players received full refunds but were told they were no longer welcome at the course.

Bear Slide Golf Club’s Official Statement: Key Points

The club posted a detailed response on social media to clarify what they say really happened. Here are the highlights:

• No abusive language: The club denies anyone was told to "get the hell off the course."
• Refunds issued: All six players received their money back.
• Policy is standard: Limiting group size is normal at almost every golf club to protect pace of play.
• Other golfers were waiting: Staff confirmed multiple groups were stacked up behind the six-some, disproving claims the course was empty.
• Decision was final: The players were asked to leave after completing the 4th hole.

Who Was in the Group?

While only Harold Varner III is named in the report, his LIV Golf team OKGC (formerly Smash GC) includes some big names:

• Talor Gooch – Team Captain
• Jason Kokrak
• Graeme McDowell – Former U.S. Open Champion
• Former Captain: Brooks Koepka (5-time Major winner, left leadership role previously)

Note: The club’s statement says "it has not been confirmed that the other members of OKGC were present," but the timing (week of the LIV Golf Indianapolis finale) makes it highly likely teammates were involved.

The Bigger Picture: LIV Golf at a Crossroads

This incident happened during a pivotal week for LIV Golf:

1. Season Finale: The LIV Golf Indianapolis event was meant to be the second-to-last tournament, but the Team Championship in Michigan was cancelled, making Indy the final event of the 2024 season.
2. Funding Uncertainty: The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has bankrolled LIV with over $5 billion since 2022. They have now withdrawn funding beyond this season.
3. New Investors Needed: LIV is negotiating a new deal, with private equity firm BC Partners widely reported as the likely lead investor to secure the league’s future past 2026.

Summary

• Harold Varner III and five others tried to play as a six-some at Bear Slide GC despite a booking for four and club policy against it.
• The club offered a fair compromise (two three-balls), explained the rule multiple times, and cited groups waiting behind.
• The group played separately for three holes, then combined on the 4th.
• Staff asked them to leave, provided full refunds, and revoked future playing privileges.
• The club denies using profanity or aggression.
• The incident adds off-course drama to a critical moment for LIV Golf’s financial future.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: What is a "six-some" and why is it a problem?
A: A six-some is six golfers playing together as one group. It takes much longer to play, creating long waits for every group behind them—like a slow truck blocking a one-lane road.

Q: Did Harold Varner III know the rule?
A: Yes. The starter told him at the first tee, and pro shop staff told him three more times before he teed off. He chose to ignore it.

Q: Were they kicked out mid-hole?
A: No. They were allowed to finish the 4th hole (the hole where they merged) and were asked to leave after putting out on the 4th green.

Q: Did they get their money back?
A: Yes. Bear Slide explicitly states all six players received full refunds.

Q: Is this common in professional golf?
A: Pros almost always play in twosomes or threesomes during tournaments. In casual rounds, they follow the same club rules as everyone else. This was a breach of standard etiquette and policy.