Dubai native Rayhan Thomas returns to the US this week, refreshed and eager to continue his pursuit of a full Korn Ferry Tour card.
After a short break in Dubai following an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, the 26-year-old is set for Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School, a pivotal step in regaining his spot on the golf development tour.
“I relaxed, practiced, and spent quality time with family and friends in Dubai,” Thomas said. “It was important to recharge before these crucial weeks at the season’s end.”
Thomas finished 88th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points list, narrowly missing the top 75 needed to retain his card for 2026. He holds a Conditional Card for next year, representing Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
At Wilderness Ridge Country Club in Nebraska, Thomas scored rounds of 67, 69, 67, and 66 for a 15-under 269, tying for fourth among 75 players in Stage One of Q-School, easily securing his spot in Stage Two.
Stage Two will take place from December 2–5 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, where he competed last year. Roughly the top 20 players and ties from each site will advance to the Final Qualifying at TPC Sawgrass (Dye’s Valley) and Sawgrass Country Club (East and West) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, from December 11–14.
In the final stage, the top five earn full PGA Tour cards for the following year, while the next 40 and ties receive full Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026.
“I’ll return to Dubai at year’s end, hoping to enter the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School. I’m also aiming for invites to the first two DP World Tour events in January 2026 in Dubai, if my schedule permits,” Thomas stated.
“Only 60 players keep their Korn Ferry Tour cards in 2026 – it’s getting tougher each year with all these pathways – but that motivates me even more to reach the highest level in golf.”
“I’m thrilled about last year’s experiences and what’s ahead this season. Having played most courses on the schedule, including Q-School at The Landings and on the Korn Ferry Tour, arriving at a familiar venue boosts my confidence.”
“Last year taught me I need more length and to tighten my game, especially my approach play. I narrowly missed seven cuts by one shot,” Thomas remarked.
“Gaining confidence over the past year, it’s about small margins. I roomed with my friend Zach Bauchou (US) for around 20 weeks, who earned the 11th PGA Tour card last year. My mindset is – why can’t that be me by the end of 2026?” he added.
“I have a confirmed friend to caddie next year – I just need to play good golf, and the rest will follow,” Thomas concluded.
Thomas represents Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and is sponsored by Hero Wilson Cadillac and Dubai Basketball.
