Former professional basketball player Michael Jordan has reportedly advised Saudi International 2022 winner Harold Varner III against the PGA Tour to participate in LIV Golf.
The NBA Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets owner told the golfer to remain on the tours despite a number of golfers leaving.
Jordan’s advice came amid the war between PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Varner has since said he was not going to leave the tour.
About his next career journey, Varner broke the rumor of him joining LIV Golf. He boldly said that he’s not going.
“I’m obviously not going,” he said. “I’ve spoken with [PGA Tour Commissioner] Jay (Monahan), I’ve spoken with a lot of people I look up to and it just wasn’t worth it to me for what it was worth. That’s pretty simple.”
Varner happy with advice from Jordan
Jordan, Chicago Bulls legend turned Charlotte Hornets club chairman, is one from many people that advised Varner against departing for LIV Golf. Varner said he followed Jordan’s advice because he had made similar decisions throughout his career.
“I think it helps because I’m sure he’s had decisions like this long before I was even born,” he said. “But there’s been a lot of people that I look up to that are obviously super wealthy and super successful and different places in the world.”
On the other hand, Varner also has been in a business relationship with Jordan. Now, the relationship has extended to friendship and both of them also live in North Carolina.
It is known that Varner wears Jordan’s signature brand with the ‘Jumpman’ logo head to toe and he respects the legend by thinking it is a smart move to get advice from Jordan before making a decisive career path to walk on.
“But there’s been a lot of people that I look up to that are obviously super wealthy and super successful and from different places in the world,” he added.
Staying on PGA Tour
Varner discussed his concerns about LIV Golf with Monahan. He said that he was concerned with both the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. So, Monahan talked him to take the best decision, which is staying with the PGA Tour.
Last week, he also spoke with Keith Mitchell and Wyndham Clark at the RBC Canadian Open to get the perspectives of other professionals.
“It’s very odd, when you only hear what the top players are saying, because there’s people down there that are in the middle that didn’t get an offer from LIV, that are very important for the PGA Tour. I think it’d be very important to hear their thoughts,” Varner said.
Varner now ranks 35th on the PGA Tour. Currently, he is in full concentration for the U.S. Open in Massachusetts.
He finished an opening round by carding a two-over 72 on Thursday at the tournament before being diagnosed with tonsillitis.
That being said, Varner was adamant that he would present his best display in the upcoming U.S. Open.