Dubai-born golfer Rayhan Thomas has accomplished a significant milestone in his professional career by surpassing the legendary Tiger Woods in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The 24-year-old secured a shared seventh-place finish at the International Series Thailand with stellar rounds of 69-63-64-68, earning $44,380 for his performance at the Thai Country Club.
This strong result saw Thomas surge over 250 places in the OWGR, moving to 1006th position an impressive leap from his starting point at the beginning of the year. Woods, on the other hand, currently sits at 1060th as he recovers from multiple injuries and surgeries. Despite Woods’ challenges, Thomas’ upward trajectory in the rankings is an impressive feat, showcasing the promise of a young golfer who has been climbing steadily since turning professional.
Thomas, a former Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club member, embarked on his professional journey earlier this season after graduating from Oklahoma State University. Initially ranked 2793rd in the world, he broke into the top 1500 with an impressive T8 finish at the International Series Morocco, part of the Asian Tour. Although he faced a setback by missing the cut at the International Series England, Thomas rebounded strongly, capturing his first professional victory at the Coimbatore Open on the Professional Golf Tour of India.
His recent performance in Thailand continues a series of consistent results that have propelled him towards the top 1000 in the OWGR, a remarkable achievement for a player at the onset of his professional journey. Looking ahead, Thomas is preparing to take the next step in his career by competing in the Second Stage of the DP World Tour Qualifying School at Fontanals Golf Club in Girona, Spain. This stage represents a critical opportunity for Thomas, as he vies for a place in the Final Stage.
Success at the Final Stage could offer Thomas the chance to play in the prestigious 2025 Race to Dubai, a series of tournaments held on the DP World Tour. The Final Stage will see 156 players battle over six challenging rounds, with two rounds each at the Lakes Course and the Hills Course at INFINITUM in Tarragona, Spain. Following these rounds, the top 65 players and ties will progress to the final two rounds at the Lakes Course. Ultimately, the top 20 players and ties will secure their DP World Tour cards, granting them playing privileges for the 2025 season.
Thomas last competed on the DP World Tour as an amateur in the 2019 Saudi International, a significant milestone where he competed against some of the world’s top players. He has also taken part in other high-profile events, such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic, where he made the cut as a 17-year-old in 2017 a remarkable achievement that hinted at his potential even then.
As Thomas continues to rise in the golfing world, his recent accomplishments speak to his talent, determination, and growth as a player. His ascent above Woods, a 15-time major champion, in the OWGR is both symbolic and inspirational for young golfers worldwide, especially those hailing from the Middle East. While Tiger Woods’ position is influenced by his injury challenges, Thomas’ progress is a testament to his potential as a formidable presence in professional golf.
With continued strong performances and a place on the DP World Tour in sight, Rayhan Thomas has an exciting future ahead. His journey from Dubai’s golfing scene to international prominence underscores the possibilities for young athletes willing to put in the hard work and dedication required at the professional level.
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