Winning your first title is always a special moment, but claiming your first pro title and receiving a message from one of the game’s best players truly makes it unforgettable.
That was exactly what happened for Dubai-born star Rayhan Thomas after the 24-year-old became just the second man to win on his maiden Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) start at the Coimbatore Open.
After collecting the trophy and a cheque worth ₹15,00,000 (65,686.46AED), Thomas revealed he received DMs (Direct Messages) from 2022 Dubai Desert Classic champion Viktor Hovland and LIV Golf star Anirban Lahiri.
“Anirban (Lahiri) text me, Shiv (Kapur) did as well,” said Thomas at a media roundtable at Emirates Golf Club last week.
“Viktor Hovland also sent me a DM to congratulate me which was nice.”
The message from Hovland didn’t come out of the blue—the two were teammates on Oklahoma State University’s renowned Cowboy Golf roster, which boasts the likes of Hovland, Matthew Wolff, and Rickie Fowler among its alumni.
In fact, just a few months ago, Thomas stayed at Hovland’s house in the U.S. after graduating from university.
“I’m going to be staying at Viktor Hovland’s house for a little bit when I get back to Oklahoma,” said Thomas shortly after turning pro earlier this year.
“I just need a place to stay, and he has a place there. He’s been very good to me and a great guy to bounce ideas off.”
Thomas will be hoping to follow in Hovland’s footsteps in the coming months by securing membership on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
On September 17 he will play the First Stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School, before taking on PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry.
If he is to make the Final Stage of golf’s Global Circuit, Thomas will hope to be one of leading 20 players and ties to secure DP World Tour playing privileges for 2025.
In the States, the top five finishers and ties at Final Stage will earn PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season, while the next 40 finishers and ties at Final Stage will earn exempt status through multiple reshuffles of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season.
