Talented Dubai-native golfer Rayhan Thomas has announced his decision to turn professional this Saturday and is already outlining his short and long-term aspirations as he embarks on what could potentially be a career-defining journey.
Thomas recently completed a five-year golf scholarship at Oklahoma State University (OSU) following a successful amateur golf career in the UAE and the region. His achievements include victories on the MENA Tour, as well as in numerous local golf Opens and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit events. Additionally, he represented India and was a member of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Reflecting on his time at OSU, Rayhan expressed pride in competing in almost every golf tournament and making it to the Nationals. He also highlighted their victory in Hawaii during his junior year. Noteworthy individual accomplishments include securing victory in the 2023 Grier Jones Shocker Invitational in Kansas and achieving several top 10 and top 20 finishes in the same year.
In 2024, Thomas observed a positive trend in his golf performance, which significantly boosted his confidence. Despite a three-month hiatus due to right hand surgery at the end of last year, he has made a full recovery.
Departing from the amateur circuit, Thomas holds the 74th position in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), with support from The R&A. His inaugural professional tournament will be the PGA Tour Americas 2024 Qualifying, scheduled from June 4-7 in California. This four-day, 72-hole qualifying event will award full cards on the PGA Tour Americas to the top nine players for the remainder of 2024.
During the upcoming summer, Thomas will be based in Oklahoma and will continue to have access to the OSU golf facilities. He shared that he will be residing in the home of his friend and former OSU student, Victor Hovland, in Oklahoma, expressing gratitude for the support and guidance he provides. His victory at a college event secured an invitation to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, taking place from June 13-16 on the Korn Ferry Tour. Following this, he intends to participate in qualifying for Korn Ferry Tour events and play in various mini-Tour events across the US. Thomas plans to review his progress before determining the next steps.
Expressing enthusiasm for the future, Thomas reiterated that this trajectory was always part of his plan before attending college. He also offered advice to aspiring golfers in the UAE who wish to pursue a golf scholarship in the US, emphasizing the importance of being receptive to learning and establishing a consistent routine.
Thomas expressed his ultimate goal of joining the PGA Tour while acknowledging the need for further refinements in his game. Additionally, he reminisced about his formative years in the UAE, recognizing the significance of starting his golf journey in Dubai under the mentorship of renowned golf coach Justin Parsons. He conveyed his ongoing connection with Dubai and anticipated visiting his parents, who still reside there, towards the end of the year.
