Dubai-born Thomas secures top 10 on Asian Tour debut
The 24-year-old finished in a share of eighth in Morocco
Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas proved he has the game to mix it with the very best after finishing inside the top ten on his Asian Tour debut at International Series Morocco.
The 24-year-old, who only turned professional at the beginning of June, made the most of his invitation into the event from the Moroccan Golf Federation, posting rounds of 69-73-69-72 to finish in a share of eighth at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s testing Red Course.
The result saw him bank a tidy $ 39,480.00, while the Indian can also proudly say he finished above host of LIV Golf stars including Scott Vincent, Branden Grace and Graeme McDowell.
“Thought I did a really good job,” said Thomas, who has spent the last five years at Oklahoma State University before graduating earlier this year.
“Had a bit of a rough start today but you know I held my head up well and all week, whenever there was an issue I was able to resolve it and come back pretty well. So yeah, really happy with the week.
“It’s an absolutely huge confidence boost to put myself in this position to compete. You have maybe an outside chance to win. It was huge in such a good field
“Birdying the last hole today was huge. I had to lay up and that was a pretty tough thing. And I holed a 9-10 footer, which was huge to help me get into top ten, so that was something special.”
Thomas finished seven strokes behind champion Ben Campbell, who came through a play-off with John Catlin to claim his second Asian Tour title.
“That was a great finish,” said Campbell.
“You know I didn't have my best out there today and I just kept saying to Mike (his caddie), I've just got to find something and just stay patient. I went flag hunting on 16 and leaked it right, and hit a great bunker shot there. I said to Mike, if I can find eagle-birdie, you never know. So I did that, and then to hole a putt like that in the play-off, it's always good.”
The Asian Tour takes a short break now before heading to International Series England at Foxhills Club & Resort, from August 8-11.
It will be the ninth event of the season on the Asian Tour and fourth leg of The International Series.