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

Before the LIV Golf Hong Kong event, Patrick Reed set aside his allegiance to his team and assisted Caleb Surratt at the request of Jon Rahm.

Surratt, 19, is the youngest player on the tour after only turning professional earlier this year and plays for Rahm’s Legion XIII GC. Four starts into the season, the teenager’s captain called in a favour from Reed, who is on Dustin Johnson ‘s 4Aces GC.

The 2018 Masters champion is renowned for having one of the best short games in the world, and Rahm turned to him as Surratt worked on his wedge game in Hong Kong. Reed then delivered a flop shot masterclass to the Walker Cup winner by breaking down his approach.

Before the impromptu session even began, the world number six assured Surratt: “If you ever need help with anything, just let me know.” Reed then proceeded to provide pointers about standing square and keeping the centre of the chest – the fulcrum point, as he calls it – over the ball.

Tips about keeping both legs still and letting the backhand go followed as Surratt put the advice into action. Reed took a hands-on role with his fellow American, holding his wedge between Surratt’s legs to dissuade the youngster from moving back into it after the flop shot.

The improvement was almost immediately noticeable. “There you go. A lot better. That strike sounded great, too,” Reed remarked as Surratt hit a final flop shot.

The teenage player improved from his season-worst performance in Jeddah by finishing three-under in the Hong Kong tournament.

He ended up just two shots behind Reed and ahead of his Legion XIII teammate Kieran Vincent, who finished at the bottom with a score of nine-under.

Meanwhile, Rahm tied for eighth place with a score of ten-under par, which was three shots better than Tyrrell Hatton, the last member of the team. Rahm has praised the short game skills of his fellow Masters winner in the past, so it is not unexpected that he sought advice from ‘Captain America’.

Before facing each other in the 2022 WGC Match Play, Rahm talked about their relationship following five years on the PGA Tour.

He admitted that we have a good relationship,” he said.

We haven’t spent a lot of time together. I’ve inquired a few times about some advice and techniques that I appreciate in his work.”

“Clearly, his skills in the short game are among the top in the world, so I have attempted to pick up a few things from him, although not extensively.

He is not very chatty while playing golf, and neither am I, so we just focus on competing when we’re out on the course.” “I wish I could provide more information.

While we may not be close friends, we also do not have any animosity towards each other. We have not had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together to consider him a friend, but we have a good relationship.”