Sitting in his family home in Al Barsha, Dubai, Rayhan Thomas exudes a quiet confidence that belies his years. At just 25, this Dubai-born talent has already achieved what many can only dream of, securing a coveted spot on the Korn Ferry Tour for 2025. Joined by his ever-supportive parents, Neena and John, Rayhan opens up to Nick Tarratt about his journey so far, the challenges he’s overcome, and the exciting path that lies ahead.
Returning from Florida’s PGA Tour Qualifying School, Rayhan’s recent exploits have set the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year. “This was one of my key targets when I turned pro in June 2024,” Rayhan shares. With 12 guaranteed starts on the Korn Ferry Tour and a wealth of experience under his belt, the young star is poised to make his mark on the global golfing stage.
But as Rayhan himself would tell you, his success is as much a testament to his talent as it is to the unwavering support of his family and mentors. This is a story of ambition, resilience, and the power of a solid foundation – both on and off the golf course.
Rayhan: I’m travelling to the US on January 2nd to live in Viktor Hovland’s spare bedroom. Hopefully long term rather than short term, to base myself there to play on the Korn Ferry Tour.
I will take advantage of the early tournaments on the schedule in The Bahamas and Panama as below:
I’m told, that after every four events, there’s a periodic reshuffle in the Korn Ferry Rankings, which with my status I will get into the third reshuffle. We will then see how my 2025 schedule pans out after that.
Rayhan: I’m so pleased with my game – especially my consistency across all areas of my game, as well as my scoring over the last six months or so. It has exceeded all my expectations.
Perhaps my first tournament in the Wichita, where I received an invite for my win as an amateur at University. I made the cut and the rest is history. I cannot ignore my win in India on the PGTI, that was very special, as well as my two top 10’s on the Asian Tour International Series’ events in Morocco and Thailand. Then, the experience of Qualifying School in both Europe and the US. I’ve had a lot of highlights so far in such a short space of time and hopefully more are to come.’
Rayhan: My parents, have always had endless belief in me from the start, when it was all going well, but more importantly, when I was struggling especially at University.
When I started playing golf at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, we lived in Al Garhoud. My parents, were not only a taxi and support service, they also gave me every opportunity to succeed. You cannot ask for more. Whatever I needed, they were there for me. They also kept me grounded. I’ve never taken anything for granted with my parents and have always respected their love and incredible support. Now it seems things are starting to pay off.
My Dad came from humble beginnings growing up in India and moved here to Dubai in 1993. He is a very hard worker in business and has always been a role model for me to see what hard work and discipline is all about.
Then there is my Mum. She’s just the best Mum you can ever have.
Rayhan: My older sister, Sasha, is four years older than me and taught me, from a very early age, so much about the way I think about life. She made me curious about all things in life and is definitely the brains of the family.
John Thomas: I remember being present when Claude Harmon and Justin Parsons said to a young Rayhan, ‘You are a big fish in a small pond,’ which has always stuck with us.
I always noticed how Rayhan was prepared to put in the hard work from a very early age. When he came home from golf he used to clean his golf clubs and put them on his bed. I am not sure all kids of that age in Dubai did this?
I used to run early in the morning at 5 am and I encouraged Rayhan to join me. I recall a road sweeper coming up to ask me on one occasion – ‘Why are you putting this kid through all this,’ and I replied, ‘He needs to know what hard work is all about.’
John: Around my wife’s 50th birthday, we decided that she should give up work, to drive Rayhan daily to The Els Club, Dubai and back. We transferred to home schooling for Rayhan, which was never really heard of at that time, and we were all mindful that all the US Colleges applications needed four years of study, so education was still important..
We connected with K12 at Knowledge Village for our home schooling which was all online, with teachers participating from all over the world.
Rayhan did not find academic studies too challenging, but was aware that he could not drop his studies. He did fall behind a few times when golf took priority, but was always able to always catch-up.
It all paid off, as he eventually achieved his Finance Degree in the US, which we are all very proud of.
John: The social side and mixing with all the Dubai Creek members as well as golfers and people of various nationalities and status has provides exceptional life skills for Rayhan. It is important for us to make sure Rayhan has both golf and life skills, which we believe he does.
When Rayhan had his challenges in Oklahoma, I had my own personal challenges in my life.
Alan Branton, Head Coach at Oklahoma State was so important to Rayhan from the start which helped. Alan saw his exceptional work ethic, even though he was not, at that time, making the University golf teams.
Rayhan was originally planning to be at University for four years and then stayed back for a fifth year, making him the eldest in the year, when injury hit and his game was not what it should have been. But his head never dropped and he managed to work through it.
John: The advice to my kids is always ‘Give it your best.’ No parent can demand anymore from their children.
Neena: I recall that Rayhan was academically always strong. At home he would do anything to cook and eat, but other domestics like the laundry and ironing, he tended to delegate to others.
I always remember in the early days there were Par 3 tournaments at Dubai Creek, Rayhan always seemed a bit too interested in food and the buffet, at times, perhaps more than the trophies and prizes. Rayhan still loves all his food and especially Korean.
Rayhan: When I get angry out on the golf course, I let it out and then play the next shot and I take it as a challenge. I really enjoy problem solving. As an overview, I try to make sure that golf does not define me or affect my character.
Outside of golf, I watch a lot of TV in my hotel room when travelling to play golf – I also play video games – and I now try to visit the places where I am playing – maybe visit an art museum or go somewhere to eat or even visit a beach – I know how fortunate I am to do what I do and I want to make the most of it.
Regarding gym and fitness work, it is not a priority at the moment and I’m still trying to find my way. I always had an extensive warm up programme which I still maintain and it was gym work three days every week. I still try and stick to this routine.
Rayhan: When I’m in the US I will remain based in Oklahoma and still have access to Stillwater CC, Karsten Creek and Oak Creek National for both play and practice.
The PGA Tour’s current policy, is that full Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour players have access to all TPC facilities in the US. So that means I should have no issues with access to golf courses and golf facilities outside the State.
One final note when I got my Korn Ferry card, my good buddy, Viktor Hovland messaged me. He was obviously excited and said, ‘Great job, good to see you playing so well.’
It meant a lot that a player of his standing, currently ranked eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking noticing me.
I just hope I can continue this trend moving forward as I start my PGA Tour Korn Ferry Tour career very soon.
Thank you to everyone in the UAE and wider afield for all your support. Wish me luck and please follow my progress this season.
Thank you to Rayhan and his parents for allowing us into their home. From all of us at Worldwide Golf and our readers, we so very proud of you and what you achieved and with so much more to come.
