Rory on Rayhan: ‘To see how he’s progressed, I mean he’s a great player’

By Kent Gray
This time last year it was Rickie Fowler giving a glowing assessment of Rayhan Thomas’ game after playing nine practice holes with the Indian teen ahead of his title defence in Abu Dhabi. It’s no exaggeration to say the Dubai-based 18-year-old is a better player now and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the even more exalted company he is keeping.

“He’s come along so well, obviously since, geez I’ve know him since he was 13-14 and everyone was talking about him then,” said Rory McIlroy said after playing Emirates G.C.’s homeward nine with the world amateur No.20 on Tuesday morning.

“To see how he’s progressed, I mean he’s a great player. He does all the right things, he practices hard and he’s got a good attitude towards it.”

McIlroy was reminded he’d actually known Thomas a little longer when the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club enjoyed an audience with the former world No.1 as a nine or 10 year-old.

“Geez is it that long ago now, was he only nine? He looked like a 14-year-old when he was nine, that’s probably why [laughs].

“Obviously went up to the Els Club and the Butch Harmon [School of Golf] and practiced a lot and he’s worked with Justin [Parsons] up there for a long time now and yeah, I just remember everyone talking about this little Indian kid that’s got a very bright future.

“Again, if he wants to ask me any questions, I’ve always had time with him and he’s a really nice kid, and he’ll do well. He’s got the right attitude to do well, that’s the most important thing.

“You see loads of kids with a lot of talent and they can do a lot but if they don’t have the right attitude and the right work ethic, you know, it can only take you so far. But I feel like he’s got his head screwed on, he’s obviously been brought up the right way and I think that will really serve him well as he hopefully progresses in the game.

“Obviously he’s playing in big amateur tournaments now, says he’s playing in the Michael Bonallack Trophy which I played in 12 years ago now, geez, so yeah, he’s going to do great as long as doesn’t put to much pressure on himself and just enjoys it, he’ll do good.”

It’s hard not to enjoy yourself playing alongside one of your boyhood idols. For all that, Thomas will have expectations this week after making his first European Tour cut at the Desert Classic last January on the back of an eye-catching opening round of 68.

Thomas plays his second shot on the par 5, 13th hole watched by Rory McIlroy during practice ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

“It’s good to see him get opportunities like this, great event with some really top class players,” McIlroy said of Thomas who finished T-60 last year with rounds of 68-75-74-74.

“His game looks in good shape, he obviously knows this place really well so as long as he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself, he just goes out and enjoys it and plays his game, he should do well.”

McIlroy kept the half practice loop light but Thomas couldn’t help but soak up useful intel from the world No.11 and two-time Desert Classic champion who will look to equal Ernie Els’ three Dallah trophies this week after finishing T-3 in Abu Dhabi last week in an impressive comeback from a 3.5 month sabbatical to reset body and mind.

“For him, he’s just playing a practice and trying to get ready just like I am so if he wants to ask me questions he’s more than welcome and I’ll very happily answer them. But again I just let him get on and do his thing and if he wants to observe me, that’s great, and if he can pick a few things up…but I try never to impose or offer any advice.

“Some guys don’t like that, I didn’t. If it was me playing as an amateur with Darren Clarke out here or whoever, I just wanted to enjoy the experience. Just more to experience it and see how they go out their business, what sort of [the] shots they are hitting into some greens, how they prepare for a tournament really. So I just try to stay out of his way.”

And how about your own prep, Rory?

“I’ve played here a couple of times over the last couple of weeks and yeah it’s good, the course is in great shape, the greens are much firmer here than they were in Abu Dhabi so even out there playing nine holes it took me a few holes to get used to that, the ball is running out a bit more.

“My game obviously feels good, I had a good week last week, body feels good after that as well so I’m looking forward to getting back to it on Thursday.”