Harold Varner III slams LIV Golf teammate: I didn't like how he handled himself

Harold Varner III criticised his Niblicks teammate James Piot after he lost his singles match in the quarter-finals of the LIV Golf Team Championship in Miami.

Varner III took care of his own match by beating Jeddah Invitational winner Brooks Koepka 4&3, but Piot was beaten 5&3 by Peter Uihlein in the second singles match.

Smash GC wrapped up the tie when Jason Kokrak and Chase Koepka beat Turk Pettit and Hudson Swafford 2&1 in the foursomes match. They went on to reach today's final after beating Majesticks in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Varner III, who won the Saudi International back in February and only joined LIV Golf at the Boston Invitational, seemed to take issue with Piot's attitude in his defeat at Trump National Doral.

"I played well. I think I would have beat a lot of people. It was good. You've just got to take care of what you can take care of. It just sucks we didn't make it as a team. I don't really have much to say because winning isn't winning if you're going home," Varner III said.

"I didn't really like how Piot handled himself. I think no matter if you're losing, you keep your head up and just take it on the chin. I loved the way that Turk and Hudson competed.

"Went out and watched their last three holes that they played, two or three holes. They competed great. Just that you want to win. Pretty simple."

Piot won the US Amateur in 2021 which earned him places at this year's Masters and the US Open. He has played in every LIV Golf event having only turned professional in May.

Varner III received much praise from golf fans for his honest statement when joining the Saudi-backed series, admitting he couldn't turn down such an offer which he said will "ensure that my kid and future Varners will have a solid base to start on - and a life I could have only dreamt about growing up."

Despite his disappointment at losing in the first round of the $50 million team finale, the 32-year-old couldn't contain his excitement for the 2023 season. He also believes some people are jealous of the progress of the new series.

"I had a great time with the guys. They are awesome. Yeah, I want to see Turk and I want to see Piot progress. Those are two things that I care about the most. Hudson I could care less.

"He's won twice on the PGA Tour. He's a great guy. He's good at golf. Those guys are just young - those young guys just don't know. It's just the way it is."