Golf may not be the most popular sport in Kerala, lagging behind favorites like football and cricket, but one young Malayalee is making a name for himself in the professional golf scene. Rayhan John Thomas, a 24-year-old golfer originally from Kottayam, recently claimed victory in the third edition of the Coimbatore Open, organized by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). This win marks Rayhan as the first Malayalee to secure a PGTI tournament title and only the second player to win on his PGTI debut, following Thai golfer Pariya Junhasavasdikul’s 2016 win at the Tour Championship.
Rayhan, who was born and raised in Dubai, comes from a family deeply rooted in the region. His father, John Thomas, is the chief operating officer of PMO Global, an oil, gas, and marine company based in Dubai, while his mother, Neena, is a homemaker. Rayhan’s interest in golf began at an early age, leading him to train at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and the Butch Harmon School of Golf. His amateur career is decorated with several regional titles, including wins at the Dubai Creek Championship, Emirates Amateur Championship, Qatar Amateur Open, and the Al Ain Open.
In 2018, Rayhan represented India at the Asian Games in Jakarta and became the first amateur to win the Middle East and North Africa Golf Tour. That same year, he finished second at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. After recently completing an undergraduate program at Oklahoma State University in the US, Rayhan is fully committed to pursuing a professional golf career, with his sights set on making the cut for the PGA Tour.
Reflecting on his recent success at the Coimbatore Open, Rayhan shared that the win felt like a culmination of his golfing journey. He credited his calm approach and focus on playing to his strengths, particularly his ‘birdie’ strategy, for his victory. Looking ahead, Rayhan emphasized the importance of advanced facilities and good training in shaping a successful golf career, noting the need for India to invest in these areas to support young talents.
Rayhan also acknowledged the critical role his family plays in his career, with his sister Shasha John and paternal uncle T T Thomas by his side in Coimbatore. His love for golf began at age nine, inspired by watching his father play. As he prepares for the next level, Rayhan remains focused on his goal of earning a promotion to the PGA Tour, fully aware of the challenges and pressures of professional golf.
