Rayhan Thomas from Dubai is gearing up for a pivotal moment in his golfing career. He will participate in the Korn Ferry Tour Final Stage Q-School in Florida, which serves as an essential pathway to the PGA Tour.
At 26 years old, Thomas has significant experience in this high-stakes environment. He notably secured his Korn Ferry Tour card last year by finishing tied for 26th with rounds of 70, 72, 71, and 68, achieving a one-over-par total.
After a challenging season in 2025 on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he finished 88th on the Points List, Thomas is eager to reclaim his playing privileges. He has successfully navigated through the first two stages of qualifying to reach this week’s crucial 72-hole Final Stage, held at the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra.
The competition will feature 176 players, with the top five finishers earning PGA Tour cards for the upcoming 2026 season. Under the current rules, ties will not be considered, and if need be, playoffs will determine the final card recipients. Additionally, the next 40 players in line will secure membership for the Korn Ferry Tour in 2026.
Upon arriving in Jacksonville a few days ago, Thomas has focused on his preparation. He shared his thoughts with Khaleej Times, stating, “I am practising hard both on the range and on the golf courses. They are both very challenging courses in great condition.”
Recent rainfall has made the courses softer compared to the previous year. “Good iron play is the secret to good scoring,” he observed, noting the small greens and the demanding nature of chipping from Bermuda grass. He expressed confidence in his game but emphasizes the importance of focusing on his performance rather than the score. With previous experience in this event, Thomas feels well-prepared and is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead for the 2026 season.
In addition to Thomas’s endeavors, the Asian Tour is concluding its season with the Saudi Open presented by PIF, taking place in Dirab, which will conclude on Saturday.
This week’s tournament schedule includes several notable events across different tours. The PGA Tour features the Grant Thornton Invitational from December 12 to December 14, 2025, at Tiburon Golf Club, with a purse of $510,000. The DP World Tour will host the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the Royal Johannesburg East Course in South Africa from December 11 to December 14, 2026, offering a purse of €1.5 million.
Meanwhile, the Asian Tour’s Saudi Open presented by PIF will occur from December 10 to December 13, 2025, at the Dirab Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia, with a purse of $1 million. Lastly, the Korn Ferry Tour’s Final Stage Qualifying will also take place from December 11 to December 14, 2026, at TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club in Florida.