Dubai-born Thomas surges up the leaderboard in the States

Dubai-born star Rayhan Thomas surged up the leaderboard at the PGA Tour Qualifying School’s First Stage, presented by Korn Ferry after shooting an impressive second round bogey-free five-under-par 66.

The 24-year-old, who turned professional earlier this year, carded birdies on the sixth and ninth to make the turn at two under par, 34.

His strong play carried through the back nine, where he picked up shots on the 12th, 13th, and 18th to sit on a 36-hole total of eight under par in a share of fourth place at Wilderness Ridge Country Club in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“I played better today than in round one,” said Thomas.

“I really like the golf course – the tight fairways and small greens seem to suit my game.

“Everything seemed to come together today especially my driving which was the difference to Tuesday’s round. I plan to keep doing the same thing over the next two days and see where it takes me.

“I must focus on the short term and not worry about the long term. However, as an aside, I was pleased to get my Schengen VISA approved through my management – which confirms my tournament schedule coming up – but that is for another day.

“I plan to have a good rest before the challenge of round three on Thursday.”

The top 21 players and ties from the 80-player field this week will progress to Stage Two Qualifying School.

Should he progress from this week and Stage Two, Thomas will have the opportunity to cement a PGA Tour card, which would see him play with the likes of Rory McIlory and Scottie Scheffler on a weekly basis.

The top five finishers and ties at Final Stage will earn PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season, while the next 40 finishers and ties at Final Stage will earn exempt status through multiple reshuffles of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season.

All remaining finishers at Final Stage earn conditional status for the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, in addition to being exempt through the Latin America Swing of the 2025 PGA TOUR Americas season.