Thomas: “I was really proud that I didn’t give up after that start”

By Kent Gray
Rayhan Thomas may have had to settle for a bitter-sweet share of second place but will depart the 10th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship bristling with confidence courtesy of a pair of invaluable takeaways from Singapore.

“One thing I definitely learned from this week is that you can’t win championship of this level after starting with a four-over round,” the Dubai-based Indian teen said.

But by playing his final 54 holes in -15 with rounds of 64-65-66, Thomas remembered he has what it takes to win at the elite level. His eventual -11 total was just two shy of Japanese 20-year-old Takumi Kanaya who clinched exemptions to next year’s U.S. Masters, the Open and the 124th (British) Amateur Championship with his win.

“The one thing I was really proud about was that I did not give up after that start. I tried my best, and this is the result I have,” the MENA Tour trail-blazer said after sealing a spot in the Open Championship qualifying series event of his choice, a short-cut to the 148th Open at Royal Portrush next July.

“It also tells me that I have been right when I kept feeling that I have been playing really well these last few weeks, starting from the Asian Games [T-13 individually and 7th place for Indian in the teams event]. I just need to trust what I have with my swing right now and I am sure we will have some more good results in the near future.”

Whatever happens next for the Oklahoma State University-bound golfer, the memories from Singapore, on and off the course, will hold the 18-year-old in good stead.

It included an audience with the eight time major champion Tom Watson, captured in these pictures:

Thomas’ top five also means he earns an exemption into next year’s Asia Pacific Amateur and another shot at the dream of invites to Augusta National and the 2020 Open at Royal St Georges.

“Irrespective of my score, I loved every moment of this great championship and I am glad that I have the chance to come back again next year knowing that I have the ability to win it.”