England’s James Allan and India’s Rayhan Thomas knocking on the Mena Golf Tour doors of success
Led by James Allan and Rayhan Thomas, a host of promising amateurs will be aiming for a strong finish to end the season on a high when they compete in the Tour Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club from Monday.
Presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the season-finale offers the 15 leading amateurs on the Order of Merit, who will join top 40 professionals in the field, one last chance this season to realize their dream of becoming the first amateur to win on the MENA Golf Tour
They will hope to draw inspiration from the feat of young Thriston Lawrence, who eclipsed a top-quality field headlined by 2016 European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke at the recent Ras Al Khaimah Classic to take the title by four shots.
In the process, the former number one South African amateur became the youngest player, aged 18 years, 11 months and one day, to win a MENA Golf Tour event, his achievement highlighting the exciting youngsters coming through the ranks on the tour in a sign of the times in an ever-changing world.
There is plenty to suggest the floodgates are about to open as waiting in the wings are a number of players, who have been knocking on the door to make a significant breakthrough.
England’s Allan, 21, and India’s Rayhan Thomas, 15, both had their chances tor to win a MENA Golf Tour event this season, but agonizingly slipped on the finishing line.
Allan, who is currently leading the Order of Merit race in the amateur division, lost to his compatriot Gary King at the Ascorp Golf Citizen Abu Dhabi Open in a playoff while Thomas, bowed out in a similar fashion in a three-way tie at the Dubai Creek Open.
The growing rivalry between the two rising stars, who has brought power, flair and exuberance to the game, had enlivened the Order of Merit race in the run up to the Tour Championship.
Allan, who is waiting for the right moment to turn professional, featured in all the 10 events this season, accumulating 326 points, well ahead of Thomas who is placed with 262 points, followed by the Moroccan duo of Ayoub Lguirati and Karim El Hali, each with 190 points.
The leading amateur will be invited to join the starting line-up at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February next year.
Commented Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour: “I am really impressed with amateurs’ passion for competitive golf which augurs well for the tour. The want to have a career in golf and are prepared to work hard which is great.
“I think the players are relishing the opportunity of playing on the MENA Golf Tour. It has opened new avenues for them to achieve their dreams and has ignited their desire to succeed,” he added.
