Jon Rahm has warned his LIV Golf teammate Caleb Surratt he’s in for a “rude awakening” when the youngster tees it up at the U.S. Open in a few weeks’ time.
Surratt, 22, was one of three LIV players to make it through a 36-hole qualifier in Dallas last month to earn his spot in the 156-man field for the third men’s major of the year at Shinnecock Hills.
The American prevailed in a six-for-one playoff to grab the ninth and final spot and will play in his first major championship over 18-21 June in Southampton, New York.
But Rahm believes he can’t put it into words what the experience will be like for Surratt, who joined his LIV team straight out of college after turning professional 2024.
Jon Rahm believes we are yet to see the best of Caleb Surratt
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“Let’s be honest, your first ever major playing at Shinnecock Hills is going to be a rude awakening,” said Rahm.
“I honestly don’t think – I can’t even begin to make him understand what that week is going to be like. That week is so unique.
“I know he’s going to go next week and see the golf course early, and from when he sees it on Tuesday and Wednesday and when he tees off on Thursday, it is going to change so much that I don’t know if I can make him understand how difficult it’s going to be.
“I don’t think he’s ever been a part of a tournament in which nobody ever has finished under par like [the] last U.S. Open [at Shinnecock]. That year was one-over par.
“And Thursday and Friday they technically could have set it up harder like they did on Saturday afterwards. I am going to try to make him understand.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Jon Rahm played in his first major in 2016
Rahm played in his first major championship aged 16 at the 2016 U.S. Open whilst still an amateur.
Aged 21, Rahm made the cut and finished as the low amateur in a tie for 23rd.
“It takes a little bit [of time to get comfortable]”, said Rahm.
“It’s like when you’re kids; you need to fall a few times before you learn how to walk, and it could be the case, as well. But he’s a fantastic player.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“He’s grown so much in the three years he’s been with us. Somebody who hadn’t really travelled around the world, had only left the U.S. once to go to Scotland, so he had never been in a non-English speaking country in his life to now being around the planet, learning about new cultures, going through the hardship of travel, which unfortunately for two years he had the worst luck I’ve ever seen in my life when it came to travel.
“He had to grow up quick, and he’s gotten there.
“He’s played the qualifier in Dallas a few times, and I think the last two years he’s played good and just come up short.
“I know he was devastated when he bogeyed his last hole and thought he was out and then he got in and ended up earning it in a playoff.
“I don’t think we’ve come close to seeing the best of Caleb Surratt.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“He showed us a little bit at JCB last year, but he is capable of so much more. I hope seeing that U.S. Open kind of unleashes a bit of what he can do because he’s a great player.”
Show X Embedded Content
Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider
Surratt and Rahm aren’t the only LIV Golf players in the U.S. Open field.
Former winners Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Graeme McDowell are also playing.
McDowell’s exemption into the major was up and he had to go through qualifying.
Carlos Ortiz, Cameron Smith, Laurie Canter, Joaquin Niemann, David Puig, Lucas Herbert and Peter Uihlein are in the field.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Elsewhere, Rahm told reporters that he is staying in his own lane as LIV Golf attempts to navigate its survival.
Rahm said he won’t be attending pitches to investors, unlike Bryson DeChambeau.
Subscribe to our Newsletter