Harold Varner III has the hometown advantage at this week’s Bridgestone Invitational thanks to his breakthrough victory at the 2016 Australian PGA Championship.

The win at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast granted Varner entry to the third Word Golf Championship tournament of the season, coincidentally played at his hometown of Akron, Ohio giving him the chance to tee it up against the world’s best in front of family and friends.

“Obviously I’m super excited. I’m starting to play a little bit better. I think it’s just a great opportunity for me to get the season back going in the right direction, and what better place than where I was born?” Varner said.

“It was pretty cool, after I got done practicing, me and one of my best friends and my caddie went to my grandmother’s house and then we went to the house that I was, I guess not born in but where I grew up.”

Playing on his home track guarantees Varner’s nearest and dearest will fill a large gallery following the Ohio native around the 18 holes at Firestone CC.

Varner said he won’t feel any extra pressure from his support crew this week.

“I think it will be quite a few, I don’t know the actual number but I’m excited to see them. I won’t really be paying attention to them out there, but it will be a cool experience, for sure.

“The good thing about family, they’re still going to be family whether you ignore them or if you talk to them. So knowing that, you just go do your job. I don’t get to go to their job and get in their business or get in their way, so I think it’s pretty easy because I also get to go see them afterwards like family, you’re going to see them,” Varner added.

“Like my mum and dad, I’m going to see them in Gastonia, I can’t wait. I’m going to be mowing the grass next Monday. It’s fine. It is what it is. I have a job to take care of, I have a great opportunity and I’m just going to do my best not to just blow it away.”

The reigning Australian PGA Champion has remained humble despite his success and this week and spent time visiting spots around town from his early days in the game.

“Pretty weird to see, you know, that and where I live now. It puts things in perspective. I think it’s real easy to forget where you come from, and understand that I just bought a boat for what some of these houses are. So it’s good, it’s humbling and I’m excited to get the week going.”

Varner joins World Number 5 Sergio Garcia in the Bridgestone Invitational field who last week committed to playing the 2017 Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

For fan friendly $25 tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.au.