His two starts in the International Series have been more productive – a tie for third in Morocco and a tie for second in England during the summer. When he saw the Riyadh Golf Club course earlier this week, he immediately felt comfortable, as it reminded him of the desert courses he’s competed on in Arizona.
“I’ve been playing very solid all year,” Surratt said after his bogey-free round that included eight birdies and an eagle. “Being around guys like Jon and Tyrrell teaches you how to go out there and play your best more often times than not.
“The thing with me that I’ve struggled with is getting ahead of myself. I’ve wanted to win so bad for so long now, I’ve put myself in similar positions and tried to force and just get ahead of myself.
“I’m starting to learn that it’s literally just like going out with your buddies and playing golf. When I’m playing my best, that’s what I’m telling myself.”
Of course, his buddies now, at least at LIV Golf events, include two of the world’s top players. Surratt forever remains grateful that Rahm took a chance on the youngster instead of opting for a more proven commodity.
“He’s really been on my side,” Surratt said. “Couldn’t be more thankful to him. ‘Im almost in tears thinking about it, how much he’s helped me out. As much as I tell myself and he tells me I earned my spot on the team through my play in amateur and college golf, it definitely feels like he’s been one to put me on his shoulders a little bit.”
Life off the course has gone just as fast for Surratt. On Nov. 22, he married his longtime girlfriend Kayla in Tennessee. There was no time for a honeymoon since Surratt was set to play this week.
Even though Kayla is not with her husband in Riyadh, she’s never far from his mind.
“Honestly, it’s taken a lot of stress off and allowed me to be as free as possible,” he said. “I know no matter how I play, she’s going to be there for me when I get back.
At dinner Thursday night with a few other players, Surratt was wearing his wedding ring. He wondered out loud whether he could use his ring as a ball marker. The response from the table was a collective “no.”
“I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t,” Surratt said. “You would never lose it. I’d take it off my ring finger on the tee, put it on the green every hole, and put it back on my hand after the round.”
But after self-reflection, Surratt came to one conclusion.
“I’m bound to lose it,” he said. “I lose everything.”
He’s hoping not to lose either the ring or the tournament on Saturday. After all, Dec. 7 has treated him well thus far. And just like a year ago, he faces another test, only this time over 18 holes.
(Photos courtesy of Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)
