Harold Varner III (left) sits with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan (Photo: PGA Tour Video)
BY AAGD STAFF
June 6, 2020 —Harold Varner III sat down with PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan to discuss the nationwide protests and social injustice amidst the TOUR’s Return to Golf. Sara Diaz, Manager, Multicultural Marketing Strategy at PGA TOUR, starts the conversation with questions on finding viable solutions. Recently posting his thoughts and perspectives on Twitter in a lengthy open letter about the death of George Floyd, Varner who is naturally quiet and rarely speaking out about social issues, says he will voice his opinion whenever he believes it will help.
Instead of posting something publicly on social media, Commissioner Monahan sent a letter to all Tour staff, players and tournaments. In addition, he stepped back and spent last weekend making calls to his Black colleagues and Black friends, people whom he thought he could really learn from, and to get a better understanding of how the PGA Tour can be a part of the solution.
“I did not understand what the solution was in the short term, but I was committed to making certain that I was part of identifying it and supporting it…. So, for me, stepping back and trying to listen to those people who have been affected is the best way to start.”
In a Monday morning team meeting, Monahan told his team “As your leader, I have to tell you, I have had a few sleepless nights here, and I don’t have the answer here, but as an organization, as we have been for a long time, we are committed to diversity and inclusion. And, we’re committed to doing what is right, and what has happened here is not right and we’re going to be a part of the solution.”
Monahan sounds serious about opening up a discussion. He wants to listen to players and colleagues be a part of the solution.
“We really are a big family out here,” said Monahan in turning to Varner. “…you guys are traveling together, you see each other virtually every single week, and really get to know each other over the course over rounds of play.”
“I am learning a lot about myself, and I hope everyone is right now,” said Varner. “I look at our country and wonder what is going on. But as bad as it is, we have an opportunity to grow,” said 29-year-old Varner. “I am saddened to see it, but I am also excited about the opportunity of us working together to make things better—but for the long term.” He continued, “My parents don’t care if I win a PGA Tour event. They care that I have a better opportunity than they did.”
