iStockphoto / Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Harold Varner was kicked off an Indiana golf course.
Harold Varner III was reportedly banned from playing a public course in Indiana ahead of his final LIV Golf tournament. He has since disputed the now-viral claims.
The golfer says there were several “inaccuracies” in the club’s description of events that transpired. Varner says he was not forced to leave. He exited without issue after members of his group got the boot.
Bear Slide Golf Club posted a message on Facebook Friday addressing the situation.
Varner played the course on August 18th. He’d signed up as a foursome. He arrived at the club with six players according to the social media announcement.
Varner was repeatedly told that his group could not play as a six-some. They could, however, break into two threesomes.
The club says that Varner and his team followed that guideline for three holes. They then tried to combine groups and were asked to leave.
Bear Slide Golf Club one of Indiana’s premier public golf courses. It earned a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest and was included amongst the site’s nine best venues in state.
It has also been rated as one of the top 75 most affordable courses in the USA while offering a Scottish links style front nine and a traditional style back nine.
Bear Slide is located in Cicero, about 45 minutes north of Indianapolis. Varner was in the area for his final LIV Golf tournament of the season.
Google Maps
A map of the Indianapolis area
Harold Varner III disputes claims from Bear Slide Golf Club.
He says he was not personally notified of the reported banishment. He did not speak to anyone at the club personally. Varner says he left without issue after other members of his group were asked to leave.
The golfer posted his side of the story on Instagram. In doing so, he attempted to provide clarity.
Instagram / Harold Varner III
Harold Varner III disputes claims from Bear Slide Golf Club.
Varner also rejected the club’s accusation that he tried to play as a six-some. He says his group was playing a 3 v. 3 style competition. They never attempted to join forces.
Finally, Varner refuted claims that he was slowing pace of play. The golfer stated that there was no one directly ahead or behind him. His group had no impact on others playing the course.
Now, we have his word against the club’s. You can choose the side you want to believe.
Harold Varner III put the drama behind him to take part in LIV Golf Indianapolis, the final event of the 2026 season. At the time of this writing, he is in a tie for 23rd place at -8 on the weekend.