Varner, Watson win charity match

Bubba Watson and Harold Varner won the charity exhibition ahead of the Rocket Mortgage Classic

Harold Varner III and Bubba Watson claimed the bragging rights in a special nine-hole charity exhibition match ahead of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The pair teamed up to defeat former world No 1 Jason Day 3&1 on the back nine at Detroit Golf Club, with the match raising money for the ‘Changing the Course’ initiative that looks to end the digital divide and ensure more Detroit households have access to the internet.

With all four players mic’d up for the live TV contest, Varner fired an approach tight into the opening hole to set up a three-foot birdie to give his team the early advantage.

Varner and Watson were presented belts after their victory

Day and Watson exchanged birdies at the par-four 13th and Watson added another from four feet at the 15th to double their lead, before Varner sealed victory by holing a long-range putt from the fringe at the 17th.

“When you can play golf and make money for other people, I’m in,” Varner said. “Just a great cause and I’m just happy to be part of it and for Rocket Mortgage just setting it up.

“I just couldn’t remember not having internet growing up. Like some kids had internet and then we got it like a year later, but like I couldn’t imagine being in high school and not having internet.

They’re obviously doing a great job here just seeing how the city’s grown just in the past year, especially since the Covid and everything. Just super excited to be a part of something bigger than me.”

Watch the Rocket Mortgage Classic throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 11.45am on Sky Sports Golf and midday on Sky Sports Main Event.

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