Dubai-born golf sensation Rayhan Thomas has a message for UAE golfers embarking on their journey to the U.S. collegiate circuit: “Be like a sponge.”
Thomas, who recently turned professional after five successful years at Oklahoma State University (OSU) on a golf scholarship, shared his insights with upcoming UAE talent.
“Just try and absorb and learn as much as you can. Take the bits that you like and throw away the bits that you don’t. Use college as a way to figure out what type of person and golfer you want to be,” said Thomas in a recent Zoom interview.
This summer, several UAE-based players are set to follow in Thomas’ footsteps. Jamie Camero and Lara El Chaib, both members of the UAE National Team, have secured scholarships at the University of Central Florida and Jacksonville State University, respectively. Dubai resident Dominic Morton will attend Odessa University, while Hannah Chery Alan, who has lived in the UAE since infancy, is heading to Kennesaw State University.
Thomas now aims to emulate the success of his fellow OSU alumni Viktor Hovland, Matthew Wolff, and Rickie Fowler on the PGA Tour. Currently competing in the PGA Tour Americas Qualifying School, Thomas will make his Korn Ferry Tour debut later this month at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, following a collegiate victory in Kansas last year.