LIV Golf's newest member on backlash for leaving PGA Tour: 'I hate being hated'

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Harold Varner III is one of latest golfers to move from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf Invitational Series, and though he expected backlash from fans about his decision, it still hurts. 

"Who likes to be hated? It’s terrible," Varner said Wednesday ahead of LIV Golf’s Boston tournament via the Washington Post. "I hate being hated. I’d rather not even be known than be hated."

Varner said that he was thinking of his son when he made the decision to sign his lucrative contract with the Saudi-funded tour, saying his boy will have "a life I could have only dreamt about growing up."

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Harold Varner III plays a second shot on the 14th hole during the second round of the BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, on Aug. 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

"For a kid that grew up where I grew up, it was an opportunity for me to just make sure my kid never would be in that situation ever, and that means the world to me," Varner said.

Golfers who have moved to LIV Golf, which includes Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and this week’s newcomers, Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann, have all heard their fair share from fans.

While some just brush it off and pay no mind, Varner is the exact opposite.

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"I purposely read them all," Varner said. "Everyone says, ‘Don’t get on social media.’ That’s stupid. I’m not ashamed of being Harold. I’m ashamed that we don’t spread love."

Harold Varner III plays a second shot on the fifth hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Wilmington