Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas is set to make his professional tournament debut on the Korn Ferry Tour at the $1 million Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open this week. Following his impressive performance in last week’s Qualifying School on the PGA Tour of Americas, where he achieved Conditional Status, the 24-year-old earned his Korn Ferry invite by winning the 2023 Grier Jones Shocker Invitational on the College Amateur circuit.
The Wichita Open on the Korn Ferry Tour has a rich history dating back to 1990, with past champions including notable names such as Tom Lehman, David Duval, and Jason Dufner. The prestigious event will take place at the Crestview Country Club in Kansas, Wichita, known for its Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course that offers challenging par 70 and can be played up to 6,910 yards.
Rayhan Thomas expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament, stating, “It is another big week for me – following last week’s Q’School, my first tournament proper as a professional. I am looking forward to seeing how my game stands up and to enjoy the whole experience.” Having turned professional after a successful golf scholarship at Oklahoma State University, Thomas is determined to give his best and hopes to make the top 25 this week to qualify for the next Korn Ferry Tour event.
The Korn Ferry Tour serves as the developmental tour for the US-based PGA Tour, providing a pathway for professional golfers to earn PGA Tour memberships for the next season. Players who perform well on the Korn Ferry Tour have the opportunity to graduate and compete on the PGA Tour, as seen with current World Number One golfer Scottie Scheffler. The tour also serves as a platform for aspiring golfers to showcase their talents and strive towards achieving their PGA Tour card.
In addition to the Wichita Open, Thomas is aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming Korn Ferry Tour event in Norman, Oklahoma, as he continues to work hard and pursue his professional golfing career. With the support of his dedicated team and the experience gained from his time in the US, Thomas is confident in his abilities and remains focused on achieving success on the Korn Ferry Tour. His journey as a professional golfer is just beginning, and he is determined to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
