Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas remains optimistic about his future despite narrowly missing out on securing a coveted DP World Tour card at Qualifying School.
The 24-year-old, who turned professional earlier this year after a collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, entered the final round at INFINTUM Golf just one shot shy of the top 20 - a threshold for earning playing privileges on golf’s global circuit.
Despite a commendable closing round of four-under-par 68, Thomas fell short of breaking into the top 20, ultimately finishing in a tie for 30th after six gruelling rounds in Spain
“The final day was interesting – it never felt very good,” said Thomas.
“The front nine was pretty slow and I did not hit many good shots and I didn’t do anything good.
“The back nine was much better, I played solid and tidy. It was a shame I just could not do anything on the front nine and make a few more birdies – but that is the way it goes.
“I missed my card by two shots.
“My next event is Stage 2 of PGA Tour Qualifying presented by Korn Ferry next week in Savannah, Georgia. I fly straight to the US and I am excited to be competing again and what is ahead for me.”
At the top of the leaderboard, Edoardo Molinari birdied the final hole to secure a one stroke victory and become one of 21 players to earn their DP World Tour cards.
Molinari signed for a four under par round of 67 to go with rounds of 65-61-72-68-66 and reach 29 under par for the week, one clear of Swede Niklas Lemke who secured his graduation with a seven under par bogey-free 64 on the final day.
The three-time DP World Tour winner and Ryder Cup Vice Captain returned to the tee on Thursday to conclude his fifth round after the entirety of day six was washed out due to rain in Tarragona, before batting it out at the top with Lemke during round six.
Molinari, who at one point trailed Lemke by two strokes, was delighted to end the week on top and secure a swift return to the DP World Tour.
“It was very good to finish on top,” he said. “I’m relieved to come out on top in the end. I feel I kind of deserve it after the way I played all week.
“I think on such a long week, it is important to get off to a good start and obviously it was the ideal start after two days. I couldn’t have dreamt about being 17 under par after two days.
“It means a lot to keep my card, especially as I’m 43 now. I’m towards the end of my career so any chance I get to play, I want to take it.
“It’s not been my best year but to finish like this and now to go home and be with my wife and kids, to spend time with the family, and then plan out next year, it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
