Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas knows he must not be complacent if he is to advance to Stage Two of the PGA Tour Qualifying School presented by Korn Ferry.
The 24-year-old, who turned pro earlier this year after spending five years at Oklahoma State University, is currently tied for tenth in the First Stage at Wilderness Ridge Country Club in Lincoln, Nebraska, US.
After rounds of 68 and 66 during n the opening two days, the third round was more of a battle for the Indian.
Three bogeys on the front nine saw him make the turn in 39, but he bounced back superbly coming home, carding a 32 on the back nine, which included five birdies, to finish the day in a share of tenth.
Following the conclusion of today’s final round, the top 21 players and ties from the 80-player field will progress to Stage Two Qualifying School.
“It was a tough day – pretty windy – but still scoreable,” said Thomas.
“On the front nine, my game was just sloppy. I kept missing greens in the wrong spots, failed to get up and down and drove poorly – and did not take advantage of the two par 5’s.
“On the back nine, I played so much better and could move up the scoreboard. I holed two long putts and was on the green in two on the Par five 14th for another birdie.
“For the final round, I need to take the momentum from today’s second nine and need to hit my drives and irons better. I need another good solid round to achieve my objectives.
“I am well placed but cannot be complacent,” said Rayhan. “I need to treat it as just another round and play my best. As always, we all need a member’s bounce or two and hopefully tomorrow will be another good day.”
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.
