Jon Rahm backs young American star rising on LIV Golf Tour: “He’s a phenomenal player”

Legion XIII’s win at LIV Golf UK marked their fourth victory of the season, and Rahm took a moment afterwards to reflect on what’s been behind their success.

“It’s always hard to say one thing, right? Obviously, picking up Tom this year is a massive addition, right? He’s a phenomenal player,” he said.

“With all four scores counting this year, I thought we played to our advantage. It showed early on, and it’s showing now.”

Surratt shot a 66 in the final round to secure his first podium finish in just his second season with the league. The performance moved him up to 16th in the individual standings.

“I think middle of the season, none of us played our best. I said last week, I was looking forward to Caleb hopefully having a good tournament and not needing to birdie something like the last four holes for us to win.

“Good to see the scoreboard and see just that. He’s a phenomenal talent.

“I don’t know what’s going on 18, but I’m hoping he can make a birdie and hopefully finish second. If not, it’s the first podium in his career, first top 10; he should be proud of that.”

The 21-year-old finished two shots clear of Hatton and McKibbin, which proved crucial as Legion XIII held off Torque GC by eight strokes for another team title.

Rahm breaks down Surratt signing for Legion XIII

While Legion XIII made headlines by bringing in Rahm, Hatton, and even McKibbin to some extent, Surratt joined without much fanfare.

Though just 21, he had a strong amateur career, notably winning the junior PGA Championship and earning First Team All-American honours at the University of Tennessee. His professional journey, however, began with LIV Golf.

Rahm spoke about why he chose to back Surratt straight out of college and how he views the young American now.

“Yeah, he’s a phenomenal player,” Rahm said. “I think my goal was always to try to keep the core of the team young. We did just that.

“Even with Kieran [Vincent] last year, and Tyrrell and I being the older guys last year, 33 and 29. Not like the craziest thing in the world, right? I think that was a big part of why the team has done well.

“Yeah, he might have some inexperience, but he has the world ahead of him and a whole career ahead of him.

“It’s expected for somebody like him to maybe have a couple rough weeks but he’s played really good golf and I hope this is the confidence booster he needs to take it to another level.”