PGA TOUR player Harold Varner III is returning to the Gold
Coast in 2016 for the Australian PGA Championship.

The gregarious young American was a hit with fans at RACV
Royal Pines Resort when he attended the tournament last year, narrowly losing
the title to Nathan Holman in a playoff.

This year Varner returns a more experienced player having completed
his rookie season on the PGA TOUR and played in his first Major; The Open
Championship.

The Australian PGA Championship is a festival of golf with
action happening in and outside of the ropes, exciting players like Varner add
to the atmosphere at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

"Players that are entertaining and bring a high level of
energy to tournaments, endear themselves to the Australian crowd, Harold Varner
III certainly achieved this at the Australian PGA Championship last year. He
was exciting to watch on the golf course and engaging off it," said Brian
Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

"Harold earned plenty of fans last year and we are delighted
to have him join us again at RACV Royal Pines Resort for the Australian PGA
Championship."

While the crowds were charmed by Varner he was equalled
enamoured by the Gold Coast and is looking forward to returning to the
Australian PGA Championship.

"I really enjoyed my time at the Australian PGA Championship
last year. The Gold Coast was an awesome location and everyone was friendly,"
said Varner.

"I am looking forward to coming back and hoping that I can
go one better and win this year."

Varner joins a talented line up of Australian players
chasing the Joe Kirkwood Cup including World Number 6 Adam Scott and his World
Cup of Golf partner Marc Leishman as well as defending champion Nathan Holman.

Also attending the European Tour co-sanctioned tournament
are European Tour winners Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser which ensures four of
the top-5 ranked Aussies in the Official World Golf Rankings will be on the
Gold Coast this December.

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Chief Executive Officer
Leanne Coddington said the calibre of players for this year’s tournament were
world class.

"The Australian PGA Championship is one of Australia’s
oldest tournaments and well respected around the world," Ms Coddington said.

"This is a world class event which attracts world class
players to Queensland, providing a boost to the State’s tourism economy."

The Australian
PGA Championship is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through
Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland major events calendar.

The
Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4
December with tickets on sale via Ticketek.