Latest news with #RayhanThomas
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
This Week in Golf: Dubai's best take on Delhi's ultimate test at HERO Indian Open
This week, the HERO Indian Open takes center stage as DLF Golf & Country Club in Delhi hosts one of the toughest and most prestigious events on the DP World Tour calendar. Known for its challenging layout, DLF is both a golfer's dream and a nightmare. Whether you're watching it on TV or stepping up to its fairways, it demands mental strength and precision like few other courses can. Among the stellar field, a strong UAE contingent will make their presence felt, with several Dubai-based players poised to make waves. Fresh from a breakthrough victory in Singapore, Richard Mansell (ENG) enters the tournament full of confidence. Alongside him, Johannes Veerman (US), Julien Guerrier (FR), Ewen Ferguson (SCO), and Guido Migliozzi (IT) bring a wealth of experience to the course. But it's the UAE's own Adrian Otaegui and Shiv Kapur who will undoubtedly steal the spotlight, with Kapur being a local favorite who knows the DLF course like the back of his hand. Strong Dubai presence What makes this year's HERO Indian Open particularly exciting is the strong showing of Dubai-based players. Six of the top 11 in the Entry List Category 3 —which includes DP World Tour winners from tournaments with purses over $2 million—are all Dubai residents. This growing trend of top-tier golfers calling Dubai home is a testament to the city's burgeoning reputation as a golf powerhouse. The UAE's favorable climate, and top-notch facilities make it an ideal base for golfers looking to sharpen their skills in the winter months. One notable player in this group is Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), a Dubai Golden Visa recipient, who is seeking to turn his recent form around. After a string of disappointing results, Cabrera Bello is hoping the DLF layout will be the perfect place for him to rediscover his best. Spotlight on Rayhan Thomas But it's not just seasoned pros who are in the spotlight. Rayhan Thomas (IND), born and raised in Dubai, is competing in the HERO Indian Open for the second time. Thomas, who is also an ambassador for Dubai Basketball, has been struggling with his form on the Korn Ferry Tour but remains optimistic. 'It's great to be back in tournament mode,' said Thomas after a practice round. 'I've had a rough patch, but I know that just a few good holes or a solid round can turn things around. Delhi is a tough course, and you need to be at your best, especially with the driver. If you play well, you'll score well. But if not, it can be a long week.' Rayhan's journey to the HERO Indian Open is a testament to the resilience required to succeed in professional golf. 'I've spent some time in Dubai with my family, and I'm feeling energized,' he continued. 'I'm ready to hit the course again and see where I can take my game this week.' With the HERO Indian Open set to deliver a thrilling mix of competition and drama, all eyes will be on these Dubai-based players as they take on one of the world's most demanding golf courses. From seasoned veterans like Mansell and Cabrera Bello to rising stars like Thomas, this week promises to be a memorable one for the UAE's golfing contingent. KEY TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK: PGA Tour Texas Children's Houston Open Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th March, 2025 Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course Purse: $9.5 million DP World Tour HERO Indian Open Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th March, 2025 Venue: DLF Golf & Country Club, Delhi, India Purse: $2.25 million Clutch Pro Tour Tuesday 25th – Thursday 27th March, 2025 Venue: La Vie, Muscat, Oman Purse: £50,000 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th March, 2025 Venue: Whirlwind Golf Club, Chandler, Arizona, US Purse: $2.25 million
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Golf star Rayhan Thomas proud to sign up as Dubai Basketball ambassador
Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas, who now plays on the PGA Tour's Korn Ferry Tour in the U.S., has signed on as an ambassador for Dubai Basketball, a professional basketball team based in Dubai that competes in the ABA League (American Basketball Association). Thomas, 25, who turned professional on June 1st, 2024, and holds full card status for the 2025 season, is excited to support Dubai Basketball, a team he's closely connected to through sponsorships and personal relationships. 'My target for this year is to make the Top 20 of the Korn Ferry Tour by the end of 2025 to earn my 2026 PGA Tour Card privileges,' Thomas told Khaleej Times. 'Dubai Basketball is in the ABA League, and I have relationships with the senior management and ownership at Dubai Basketball. They are one of my key sponsors and supporters. I am always happy to help Dubai Basketball – I am a remote supporter so far, but I will support and attend whenever and wherever I can.' 'I carry their Dubai Basketball logo on my left sleeve and am proud to be a fan of this initiative, aligned with a sports team based in Dubai. They have the Dubai franchise in this ABA League and currently stand in fourth place,' he added. Thomas, who is also an ambassador for Dubai Creek Resort and Dubai Golf, first took up golf through the Emirates Golf Federation's Junior Development Programme (JDP) at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. He later honed his skills with enhanced coaching at the CH3 Performance Institute at The Els Club, under the guidance of Claude Harmon III and Justin Parsons. Justin, now an Elite Golf Instructor at the Sea Island Golf Performance Centre in Georgia, coaches several top players, including Louis Oosthuizen, Brian Harman, and Harris English. After six tournaments on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour, Thomas sits in 42nd place, with three cuts made, one Top 10 finish, and one Top 25 finish. The Dubai Basketball Team recently beat Partizan Mozzart 80–72 and currently sits in fourth place after 23 matches, with the most recent match played last Tuesday. The next fixture for Dubai Basketball is against FMB Soccerbet at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, March 29th, 2025, with an 8:00 pm tip-off. For more information, visit:
Khaleej Times
25-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
What's On This Week: Rayhan Thomas overcomes visa hurdle to tee off in Argentina
As the 2025 golf season rolls on, UAE fans have reason to celebrate: Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas (India) is back in action on the Korn Ferry Tour after a brief hiatus. Currently ranked 26th in the Korn Ferry standings, Thomas remains in the hunt for a coveted PGA Tour card, which will be awarded to the top 20 players at season's end. However, his road to this week's 118 Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro in Buenos Aires wasn't without obstacles. Visa delays meant Thomas arrived in Argentina only on Tuesday, cutting into his crucial practice time. Despite this setback, he remains unfazed, carrying his signature quiet confidence—never boastful, yet always self-assured. Wishing him the best as he tees off this week! Elsewhere in the Golfing World... While the PGA Tour enjoys a relatively low-profile week at the $9.2 million Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, the field still features some interesting names. Dubai-based Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) makes a rare U.S. appearance, while 2025 Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald keeps a watchful eye on potential European team members. On the DP World Tour, the Investec South African Championship in Durban provides a golden opportunity for emerging talents. Among those in the field are UAE-based Adrian Otaegui, The Els Club's Aaron Cockerill (Canada), Dubai resident Richard Mansell (England), and Dubai Golden Visa recipients Nicolas Colsaerts and Rafa Cabrera Bello. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour hosts the 104th New Zealand Open and the LPGA heads to Singapore for the HSBC Women's World Championship. This Week's Global Golf Calendar PGA TOUR Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2025 Venue: PGA National Resort (Champion Course) Purse: $9.2 million DP WORLD TOUR Investec South African Championship Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2025 Venue: Durban CC, South Africa Purse: $1.5 million ASIAN TOUR 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2025 Venue: Millbrook Resort, New Zealand Purse: NZ$2 million KORN FERRY TOUR 118 Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2025 Venue: Jockey Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina Purse: $1 million LPGA HSBC Women's World Championship Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2025 Venue: Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Purse: $2.4 million Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
Khaleej Times
11-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Rayhan keeps an eye on PGA Tour Card with strong performance on Korn Ferry Tour
Dubai born Rayhan Thomas (India) continued his impressive form on the Korn Ferry Tour, securing a tied 26th finish at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard in Bogotá, Colombia. With the top 20 players at the end of the 2025 season earning full PGA Tour cards for 2026, Thomas is steadily positioning himself for a potential breakthrough as he aims for one of those coveted spots. He shot rounds of 66, 64, 72, and 71, posting a 72-hole total of 273 to finish 10 under par. The winner, Kyle Westmoreland (USA), ended on 18 under par. Currently ranked 26th in the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Rankings after four qualifying tournaments, Thomas, a Dubai Golden VISA Awardee, reflected on his performance after completing his final round: 'Overall, I was pleased with the week. I wish I could have finished better—considering I was only two shots back of the leader after 36 holes. Unfortunately, I had a poor weekend. But it was great to be in that position for the first time, and I'll learn from this experience to compete harder next time. 'There's a reshuffle after every four tournaments on the Korn Ferry season. The good news is that I've been told my full Korn Ferry season is locked up, but I'm waiting for confirmation.' Looking ahead, Thomas said, 'Next up is two weeks in Stillwater, Oklahoma, before heading to my next Korn Ferry Tour event in Argentina at the end of February.' At the end of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, the top 20 players will earn full PGA Tour cards for 2026.
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Rayhan Thomas opens strong at Astara Golf Championship in Colombia
Dubai's Rayhan Thomas made a confident start at the $1 million Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard in Colombia, firing a four-under-par 66 in the opening round to place himself in a tie for 22nd. Thomas took full advantage of the shorter Pacos Course at Country Club de Bogotá, navigating its layout with precision as American Rick Lamb surged to the top of the leaderboard with a blistering eight-under-par 62, setting the pace in this Korn Ferry Tour event. Teeing off from the first, Thomas delivered an impressive front nine, carding a four-under 31. After an early bogey on the second, he quickly rebounded with consecutive birdies on the third and fourth holes before stringing together three more from the seventh to the ninth. On the back nine, he added another birdie on the 12th, but a late bogey on the 17th saw him settle for his opening 66. With 87 players in the 156-man field finishing under par, the competition remains fierce heading into Round 2. Looking ahead Thomas commented: 'It was a pretty solid start. The Pacos Course isn't long at just 6,254 yards, so I expected some low scores. Looking ahead, I need to putt better and create more birdie chances – I'll need them.' He will shift to the longer Lagos Course for his second round, teeing off at 2:25 pm GMT from the 10th hole. With mild winds and possible showers in the forecast, conditions could add an extra challenge. Currently ranked 24th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Order of Merit after three events, Thomas remains firmly in the hunt for a coveted top-20 finish by season's end—an achievement that would secure him a full PGA Tour card for 2026.
