By Kent Gray
With all that Rayhan Thomas has achieved in the amateur game, much less the aplomb with which he handles the associated pressure of being Dubai golf’s favourite son, it is easy to forget he’s still only 19.

Two wins in professional events, a share of the world record for the most successive birdies – all nine of them – in a pro-tournament and a runner-up finish in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship headline the MENA Tour trailblazer’s rapid rise to stardom.

There was also a maiden European Tour cut made here at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2017 when Thomas’ kicked-on from an eye-catching opening 68 to finish T-60 in a field including many of golf’s biggest names.

With such an impressive CV, Thomas understands the inevitable expectations placed upon him. He also knows how to politely bat them off and get on with his own thoroughly impressive game.

The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club member was at it again on the eve of the Desert Classic’s 30^th edition where he’ll play the opening 36-holes in the company of Indian compatriot Shubhankar Sharma and big-hitting Kiwi Ryan Fox.

“Not even thinking about the cut to be honest,” Thomas started. “Obviously just hope to have a good week, keep playing the way I’m playing and I know I’ll do fine.

“My game’s in good shape so don’t really have to worry about too much as long as I stay aggressive. Hopefully I can compete.”

Much has been made of the world amateur No.17s battle within a battle this week with Jovan Rebula, the reigning British Amateur champion and nephew of three-time Desert Classic and four-time major champion Ernie Els. Thomas downplayed the press perceived duel just as tactfully too.

“I don’t think there’s any battle with Jovan, he’s just another player in a 130-man field. I don’t think it’s a duel or anything, I think it’s just two players in a 130-man field, just we’re amateurs, that’s it.

“I met him two days ago, nice guy, I wish him the best of luck.”

What Thomas is determined to take away from Emirates Golf Club this week is more invaluable experience as he closes in on his freshman year at Rickie Fowler’s alma mater, Oklahoma State University.

In that regard, it’s already mission accomplished before he reaches the Majlis’ 10^th tee for his 7:20am first round tee time.

“I practiced with Mike Lorenzo-Vera and Shubhankar [Sharma] Monday, played nine holes with them, which was good fun. They’re good guys who I learned quite a bit off of so,” Thomas said.

“I’ve only seen Ryan Fox on the range, he looks very impressive. I can’t wait.”