Rayhan Thomas, a 24-year-old Indian golfer based in Dubai, has embarked on an unconventional path to success. Last summer, while recovering from a painful right palm injury, he began playing golf with just his left hand.
To his surprise, Thomas quickly adapted to the one-handed approach. Within three months, he broke 100 on the challenging Karsten Creek layout and soon after, broke 80. “It was from the ladies’ tee, but it was still a great accomplishment,” said Thomas.
Despite the limitations, Thomas’s one-handed game has become an integral part of his practice routine. He still hits shots with just his left hand to develop specific feels. During his injury period, he hit his driver around 210 yards and his 7-iron to 135 yards.
After undergoing surgery in October 2022, Thomas returned to golf in January 2023. He turned professional in May and made a strong start by finishing tied eighth in his first Asian Tour event, the International Series Morocco.
Thomas is currently trying to qualify for both the Korn Ferry Tour and the DP World Tour. He has qualified for the second stage in both. He also won his debut on the domestic PGTI circuit at the Coimbatore Open in August.
“The dream situation for me would be to secure a card on one of these bigger Tours,” said Thomas. “I want to have a schedule next year where I know where I am playing over the next 3-4 months.”
Thomas’s journey has been marked by several highlights, including a stunning round he played alongside 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke at the 2017 Dubai Creek Open. As a 17-year-old, Thomas made nine consecutive birdies, matching the world record in a recognized Tour event.
“I have vivid memories of that entire round,” said Thomas. “It always motivates me. Sometimes, when I play the first nine holes to even-par, I tell myself: ‘There is only one person in this field who has made nine birdies in nine holes.'”
Thomas is one of three Indians to make the cut in the International Series Thailand. American Peter Uihlein leads the field at 14-under following a second-round 62. Gaganjeet Bhullar is the best-placed Indian, tied ninth at 9-under par. Karandeep Kochhar (-5) is the other Indian to make it to the weekend.
