TONY FINAU called upon an old friend to replace his regular caddie, billionaire businessman Ryan Smith.

Finau missed regular caddie Mark Urbanek, who was at home with his pregnant wife when the Hero World Challenge returned to Albany Golf Course in Bahamas.

He was fortunate to have a reliable friend in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Smith is not your typical friend. Smith is actually more wealthy than any of the biggest golf stars, including Tiger Woods.

Forbes estimates that Smith is worth PS1.13BILLION.

He was still humble enough to assist a friend in need at Hero World Challenge.

Smith said: "He called and he was like, Bro, I need you as my caddie."

"I had to answer that bell. Tony will call you. Tony doesn't ask for much.

Smith said that Smith's week spent helping an old friend was not a vacation.

The billionaire laughed and said, "I've been next with him as an amateur partner when it comes to him being in contention on the Old Course.

"I know his game and his temperament well enough to make it a great match.

"But carrying a 50-pound bag around... I feel like everyone thinks that I'm on vacation.

"This is hard work. I'm exhausted."

Finau is aware that he owes his friend a great favor, laughing: "He's taking a drastic pay cut, I know this."

Smith may have been seen caddying for Finau. But who is this US businessman? We take a look...

FIRST THING'S FIRST, HOW DOES FINAU KNOW SMITH?

Since their childhoods, the pair have been friends.

Finau, who grew up in Salt Lake City (Utah), once said that Smith was his friend'since he had zero dollars' in his bank account.

Finau also confirmed Smith as his Bahamas caddie last week.

He tweeted: "Putting @RyanQualtrics on the job this week in Bahamas!" Let's get it! !"

Smith laughed and replied, "Caddie rules": Show up, Keep Up, Shut up.

Finau told the Golf Channel later that Ryan was a good friend.

"I called him about six weeks back and asked him if it would be okay. He was happy to be here.

"He has been a great friend, and a great mentor."

HOW COULD HE MAKE HIS MILLIONS!

Smith was co-founder of Qualtrics (a US-based cloud computing company).

He sold his business to German software giants SAP in 2018 for an astonishing PS6bn.

Smith was made majority owner of the NBA's giants, the Utah Jazz, two years later.

Smith has had a passion for basketball his whole life.

Smith, who missed Friday's thrilling win over the Boston Celtics by 137 to 130, is now watching over one the Jazz's most impressive teams.

The Jazz are currently third in the Western Conference's 15-team Western Conference. They are behind only the Golden State Warriors and the rabid Phoenix Suns.

BACK TO GOLF: CAN HE PLAY?

Smith also loves basketball. He plays it for business, fun and relaxation.

Salt Lake City businessman, in fact, was so skilled at the sport that he boasted a two-hand handicap.

Smith said, "I had a stepfather that is no more with us but he kinda got me started in golf.

"I started working at a golf club when I was 14 years of age, picking up balls and it was a great job that I loved.

"At one point in my 20s I was like, "OK, you have to sit down and look at your things." Golf is one of my passions.

It has played an important part in Smith's life ever since. Smith said: "Someof the best business relationships, and the most trusted partners I've met on golf courses.

"No way would our paths have crossed if it weren't for this game.

"And it's also the only place where my phone is kept in my bag, which is amazing.

"My wife said, 'You need yoga.’ I told her that my yoga is golf.

HOW COULD HE DO IT AS FINAU'S CADDIE?

Smith did an excellent job helping Finau reach T7 at Hero World Challenge.

Finau was rewarded with a cool PS86,000.

The golf star is yet to decide if he was willing to share his prize money with his caddie.

Finau posted his gratitude after day one of the event: "Rakejob today was elite. It was a great day with my friend! Three more days to go!

Finau said, "My guy worked hard this week!" Thank you for looping, bro!

Smith shared a video in which he struggled to rake the bunker, thanks to his boss who was very proud of him.

The clip was captioned by him: "Great week with the bag. Let us know what you think of the @PGATOUR: If your guy wears a size 14, we should have more time to rake.

After helping Finau score the sole birdie on the 18th green, Smith found time to make fun of Brooks Koepka.

He laughed and said, "Big time putt to complete. Let's go. @BKoepka Tomorrow, I won't be able to help you with any readings."

It should not surprise that Smith did admirably.

Smith participated in the Dunhill Links Pro-Am in 2018 and 2019 with Finau.

The billionaire was also a shining light at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he was joined by Branden Grace and Josh Teater.

He won the Jack Lemmon award as top amateur player at that 2019 tournament.