Dubai’s own Rayhan Thomas has put himself firmly in the mix at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard on the Korn Ferry Tour, sitting tied for second place after 36 holes in Colombia.
Impressive Second Round Performance
Rayhan Thomas is making just his fifth career start on the Korn Ferry Tour, followed up an opening-round 66 with a stunning seven-under-par 64, placing him at 11-under for the tournament. His second-round performance matched his career-low score on the tour, a feat he previously achieved at the 2024 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open.
The Course and Conditions
The $1 million event is contested across two courses at the Country Club of Bogota – the Par-71 Lagos Course (7,237 yards) and the Par-70 Pacos Course (6,254 yards). Thomas’ latest round featured two nines of 32, highlighted by an eagle and two birdies on his outward nine, followed by four birdies and a solitary dropped shot on his inward nine.
The Leaderboard Battle
Ross Steelman of the United States surged to the top of the leaderboard with a blemish-free nine-under 61, taking a two-shot lead at 13-under. Thomas shares second place with fellow American Jack Maguire, while South Africa’s Christo Lamprecht is a shot further back in fourth. Lamprecht, the 2023 Amateur Champion at Hillside Golf Club and a standout performer in the 2024 PGA Tour University rankings, posted a career-best 62, which included a remarkable five consecutive birdies from holes five to nine.
Thomas’ Journey to the Pros
Thomas, a product of Dubai Creek Resort and the CH3 Academy at The Els Club under the guidance of Justin Parsons and Claude Harmon III, turned professional in June 2024. He now represents Dubai Creek Resort and Dubai Golf as he looks to make his mark in the professional ranks.
The Road Ahead
The third round will see Thomas teeing off in the final group alongside Steelman and Maguire on the Lagos Course. With 82 players making the cut at three-under, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend in Bogota.
