Harold Varner III, a former standout at East Carolina, has received the 2014 Northern Trust Open Exemption. He will make his second career PGA Tour start at the Feb. 13-16 tournament.
The annual exemption provides an opportunity for a top golfer who represents the advancement of diversity in golf and wouldn’t otherwise be eligible to compete in the event.
Varner has status this year on the Web.com Tour after finishing T-32 at the final stage of Q-School.
Previous recipients of this exemption include Vincent Johnson, Joseph Bramlett and Jeremiah Wooding.
“I am so thrilled, honored and humbled to receive the Northern Trust Open Exemption,” Varner said. “Not only will I be competing with the world’s best players in one of the game’s most historic tournaments on one of its most legendary courses, but I will also have the chance to use this exemption as a way to shine a light on the past, present and future for minorities in the sport I love and cherish.”