Dubai-based Rayhan Thomas becomes only second player to win in his maiden PGTI appearance

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Coimbatore: Dubai-based Rayhan Thomas announced his arrival in Indian professional golf in style by rising to the occasion with a solid final round of four-under 68 and clinching victory on his PGTI debut of Rs 1 crore prize money at the Coimbatore Golf Club here.

Twenty-four-year-old Rayhan (70-67-69-68), who was placed one off the lead in tied second place ahead of the final round, totalled 14 under 274 for the week to prevail by one shot and create history by becoming only the second player to win in his first appearance on the PGTI, which ended on Saturday. Thai golfer Pariya Junhasavasdikul was the first player to achieve the feat when he won the year-end Tour Championship in 2016 on his PGTI debut.

Gurugram’s Manu Gandas (71-65-72-67) took second place at 13-under 275 as a result of his last round of 67. Manu thus climbed four spots from his overnight tie for sixth. Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma (69-65-71-71), who was the leader by one shot after round three, carded a 71 on Saturday to finish third at 12-under 276.

Rayhan Thomas, playing at Coimbatore for the first time, was two-under.

through the front nine after he made three birdies and a bogey that kept him in the race. Rayhan, who won twice on the MENA Tour while still an amateur and also represented India in many prestigious events, such as the 2018 Asian Games, sank a couple of long birdies on the front nine.

Thomas, excelling in all departments of his game through the week, stormed into the lead and became a top contender when he collected birdies on the 13th, 15th, and 16th. Rayhan, who turned pro in May this year, had a few anxious moments on the 17th where his ball was plugged in the bunker. He played it over the green from there but got away with a bogey on that hole thanks to a great chip and putt that helped him hold on to his lead.

The professional from Dubai Creek Golf Club, who has his roots in Kerala, finally sealed it with a par on the 18th after finding the green in two shots and making a comfortable two-putt.

Rayhan, the emerging champion in only his fourth professional appearance, said, “After sinking that final putt, I just wanted to hug my uncle (Maj. Thomas), who was caddying for me. He had been there for me all week, and that meant a lot to me.