Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas began his Stage Two campaign at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School with the kind of measured, disciplined golf that has driven his progress - a five-under-par 67 that placed him tied ninth at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club (Deer Creek) in Savannah, Georgia.

For Thomas, this week is as much a mental test as a physical one, and his opening round reflected a player who has learned to balance aggression and restraint with long-term ambition as he builds a career brick by brick on one of the most competitive pathways in world golf.

The 72-hole qualifier, one of five Stage Two sites, is played over the demanding 7,185-yard, par-72 Tom Fazio layout.

Thomas, 26, showcased his sharpened mindset early. A bogey on the second hole, which came in tough, pouring rain, didn't alter his plan or his temperament. Instead, he steadied himself and responded with birdies on the third, fourth, and seventh, turning in two-under-par 34. On the back nine, he stayed committed to his process, adding birdies on 10, 12, and 16 to close with a 33 and a total of 67.

Japan's Tatsunori Shogenji leads the opening round at eight under par in the 76-player field.

Thriving through adversity

After the round, Thomas explained how the shifting conditions demanded both adaptability and composure.

“The weather was not great for my first six holes; it really poured down with rain on hole two. After that weather front had passed and the wind dropped, it turned out to be a calm day and perfect for scoring,” he told Khaleej Times from Georgia.

“I was pleased with my game, my wedges were good, I struck the ball well, and scored well. All I need now is three more rounds like this, and it will be fine.

“It is a different mindset when you play in qualifying events, when to attack and when to play safe,” Thomas added.“I just need to avoid being too aggressive and rack up a score on any hole. I am getting used to knowing what I have to do.”

Final stage spots await

Before play began, officials confirmed that the top 15 players this week will advance to the 72-hole Final Qualifying at TPC Sawgrass (Dye's Valley) and Sawgrass Country Club (East and West) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, from December 11–14, 2025. After day one, the projected qualifying mark sits at four under par, with 19 players inside the number.

Pre-Qualifying for the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour began in August with 12 Stage One venues, but Thomas was exempt from the early rounds as a 2025 Korn Ferry Tour cardholder.

At the Final Stage, the stakes escalate dramatically: the top five finishers will earn full PGA Tour cards for the following season, while the next 40 and ties secure full Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026.

Representing Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Thomas is supported by Hero, Wilson, Cadillac, and Dubai Basketball, partners aligned with the long-term journey he is shaping with focus and intent.

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