Patrick Reed shows his true colours after Jon Rahm request over LIV Golf teenager

LIV Golf stars John Rahm and Patrick Reed were Ryder Cup opponents six months ago and again find themselves representing separate teams on the Saudi-backed tour

Patrick Reed put team loyalties to one side before LIV Golf Hong Kong by offering a helping hand to Caleb Surratt at the behest of Jon Rahm.

Surratt, 19, turned pro earlier this year and is the youngest player on tour after playing for Ram’s Region XIII GC. Four games into the season, the teenage captain asked Reid, who is part of Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC. The 2018 Masters champion is known for having one of the best short games in the world, and Rahm approached him while Surratt was working on his wedge game in Hong Kong. Reed then gave the Walker Cup winner a masterclass in flop hitting, crushing his approach. Before the impromptu session began, the world No. 6 player promised Surratt: » Reid then began giving advice on how to stand up straight and maintain the center of your chest, or fulcrum. As he says, the point is on the ball.

Following advice on how to release a backhand with both feet still, Surratt put these tips into practice. Reed played an active role with his compatriot, holding the corner between Slat’s legs after hitting the flop to deter the youngster’s return.

The improvement was noticeable almost immediately. “That’s it. Much better. That putt felt good, too,” Reed said as Surratt flopped the final putt.

With the Hong Kong tournament underway, the teenager bounced back from his worst two-man tournament of the season in Jeddah to finish at three under. The result left the teenager just two strokes behind the lead and ahead of Region XIII teammate Kieran Vincent, who finished last at nine under.

Meanwhile, Rahm finished eighth in the 10-and-under division, three strokes behind Tyrrell Hutton, the last member of the team. The Spaniard has previously praised his fellow Masters winner’s short game, so it’s no wonder he turned to Captain America.

Before they meet at the 2022 WGC Match Play, Rahm opened up about their relationship after spending five years together on the PGA Tour. “We get along great,” he admitted. “I didn’t spend much time with him. I asked him several times for some tips and what he liked about how he did things.

“Obviously his short game is one of the best in the world, so I tried to learn from him a few times, but there wasn’t much. He’s not the most talkative person on the golf course and neither am I, so we’re competitive.

“I wish I could have talked to you more. I can’t say we’re friends, but we also don’t hate each other. I haven’t spent enough time with him to call him a friend, but we get along very well. ”