LIV Golf star Patrick Reed made his allegiances clear by setting aside his own priorities to lend a hand to young golfer Caleb Surratt, following a request from Jon Rahm.
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At merely 19 years old, Surratt is the youngest participant on the tour, and has just recently become a professional. He plays for Rahm's team, Legion XIII GC. Four matches into this season, Rahm asked Reed, who belongs to Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC, to give some advice to Surratt despite him playing on a rival team. Reed showed his class by helping Surratt as he proved that helping develop young talent ranks above team loyalties.
Considered one of golf's best short game experts, Reed was sought out by Rahm as Surratt was trying to improve his wedge game. Surratt was then treated to a masterclass in flop shots, with Reed breaking down the technique for him. Before the impromptu lesson even started, the world number six was eager to help Surratt, promising: "If you ever need help with anything, just let me know."
Reed then gave suggestions about keeping one's stance square and maintaining the core - or what he calls the fulcrum point - over the ball. Further tips about keeping both legs stationary and freeing the backhand were given before Surratt tried his hand at implementing the expert advice. Reed really gets stuck in, physically holding his wedge between Surratt's legs during the shot to prevent any backward movement post-flop.
It wasn't long until there was a marked improvement. Pleased with the result, Reed expressed his approval: "There you go. A lot better. That strike sounded great, too," as Surratt accomplished a final flop shot. As the Hong Kong tournament kicked off, the young golfer bounced back from a disappointing two-over event in Jeddah to finish three-under. This left him just two shots behind Reed and ahead of his Legion XIII teammate Kieran Vincent, who finished at the bottom with nine-under.
Meanwhile, Rahm tied for eighth place on ten-under, three shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton, the last team member. Rahm has previously praised his fellow Masters winner's short game, so it's no surprise that he turned to 'Captain America' for advice. Before they faced each other in the 2022 WGC Match Play, Rahm talked about their relationship after five years together on the PGA Tour.
"We get along well," he admitted. "Haven't really spent that much time with him. I've asked a few times about a couple of tips and some things that I like how he does.
"Obviously, his short game is one of the best in the world, so I've tried to learn from him a few times, but not much. He's not the most talkative person on the golf course, and neither am I, so we're out there competing.
"I wish I had more to tell you. I wouldn't say we're friends, but we don't hate each other either. We haven't spent enough time with each other to actually say he's my friend, but we get along good."
