Caleb Surratt has had a whirlwind journey since turning pro and joining LIV Golf, grappling with the pressures and expectations of the sport.
However, the 20-year-old prodigy is now channelling that noise into performance, making a significant statement at the LIV Golf Houston event.
On a sun-drenched Friday at the Golf Club of Houston, Surratt delivered a masterful bogey-free 7-under 65 to seize a share of the first-round lead alongside the Cleeks GC’s dynamic duo, captain Martin Kaymer and Adrian Meronk.
“Obviously, I have the mindset that the job is not finished by any means,” Surratt said, “but I’m really happy to be out here playing free for probably the first time this season.”
Cleeks Make Their Mark
The Cleeks GC isn’t just making noise on an individual level; they’re shaking things up in the team competition as well.
Shooting a combined score of 17 under par, they’ve secured a three-shot lead over Torque GC.
This marks the first time the Cleeks have led since the opening round in Adelaide last year.
Kaymer’s team is showing significant improvement. Fresh off their best-ever second-place finish in Singapore, and bolstered by Richard Bland’s victory at the Senior PGA Championship, the Cleeks are riding a wave of momentum.
Kaymer, back in form after a lengthy wrist surgery recovery, led the team brilliantly even without Bland’s contribution.
First-year LIV player Kalle Samooja also shone, adding a 3-under 69 to the team’s impressive tally.
“I think what Richard did a couple of weeks ago really helped our team spirit,” Kaymer commented.
“We were really in a good place, but a win can make a big difference. … The way Richard is playing is inspiring.”
Close Competition
The top trio of Surratt, Kaymer, and Meronk are only one shot ahead of Kevin Na (Iron Heads GC) and Carlos Ortiz (Torque).
The competition is tight, with seven players just two shots back, including Individual points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque) and local favourite Patrick Reed (4Aces GC).
On a day when 41 of the 54 players in the field broke par, the benign weather conditions played a significant role.
“When the wind dies around here, especially when it’s this hot, we’re going to be able to shoot a number,” Reed remarked.
Surratt’s Breakthrough
For Surratt, this round signifies his lowest score relative to par in his 22 rounds since turning professional.
Joining Jon Rahm’s expansion team at the tender age of 19, he has had to navigate the uncharted waters of professional golf while managing external pressures.
The first half of the season saw him flash potential, particularly during Legion’s two team wins, but he was often sidetracked by factors beyond his control—social media scrutiny, heightened expectations, and massive crowds.
“That’s all stuff I title as noise,” Surratt explained after birdieing six of his first ten holes on Friday.
“Once I started to let go of the things I can’t control, I’ve been a lot more free, and I’m very thankful for that.”
Team Standings and Scores
- The opening round of the team competition at LIV Golf Houston showcased some impressive performances.
- The three best scores from each team count in the first two rounds, while all four scores count in the final round.
- The team with the lowest cumulative score after three rounds wins the team title. With the Cleeks leading the charge, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling competition.
ROUND 1 STATS LEADERS
Driving accuracy: Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Lee, Brooks Koepka, 85.71% (12 of 14 fairways hit)
Driving distance: Carlos Ortiz, 336.5 yards avg.
Longest drive: Matthew Wolff, 361.4 yards, 13th hole
Greens in regulation: Paul Casey, Kalle Samooja, Mito Pereira, Brendan Steele, Henrik Stenson, John Catlin, 83.33% (15 of 18 greens)
Scrambling: Lucas Herbert (8 of 8), Adrian Meronk (8 of 8), Matt Jones (7 of 7), Louis Oosthuizen (7 of 7), Martin Kaymer (5 of 5), Joaquin Niemann (5 of 5), Caleb Surratt (4 of 4), Paul Casey (3 of 3), Henrik Stenson (3 of 3), 100%
Putting: Adrian Meronk, 1.22 putts per hole
Bogey-free rounds: Martin Kaymer (65), Adrian Meronk (65), Caleb Surratt (65), Joaquin Niemann (67), Paul Casey (67), Matt Jones (68), Louis Oosthuizen (69), Lucas Herbert (69), Henrik Stenson (70)
