Rayhan Thomas follows Rory with Omega Emirates Amateur Open Victory on the Majlis
Representing the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, young Rayhan Thomas followed in the footsteps of Rory Mcilroy over the Majlis course and triumphed in the 26th Omega Emirates Amateur Open.
Rayhan headed in to the final round six shots adrift of the overnight leader, Jack Davis, following an opening 75 over the Faldo course. Rayhan playing in the penultimate group on the final day, began steadily before producing five birdies in six holes, including four consecutive birdies from the 10th hole to put him at the top of the leaderboard. Even with a drop shot at the par three 15th, victory was never in doubt as he finished in style with a birdie at the famous 18th hole. Signing for a final round 68 (-4) Rayhan secured a six stroke winning margin.
Bayhaan Lakdawala (Dubai Creek) and Petr Dedek (Emirates Golf Club) both finished on 5 over par for the championship but Lakdawala’s 73 in the final round granted him runners-up place for the second consecutive year. Three players ended up on six over for the event and it was Christofer Rahm of the Swedish Golf Federation who went home with fourth place following a level par 72 on the final day.
The top four prize winners were all rewarded with Omega hospitality at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at the end of the year and Rayhan also secured a place in the Pro-Am.
The net competition was also keenly contested with Lee White (Frilford Heath, UK) clinching top prize with net rounds of 76 and 74 for a 150 total (6 over par). He took a two shot victory over Dubai Creek duo Miki Mirza and Kabir Nanda both on a 152 net total. Mirza claiming the runner up place with a better net score of 77 on the final day.
UK based Jack Davies (Aston Wood GC) was disappointed with his final round but won best gross on day one with a 3 under par 69 over the Faldo course, a fabulous effort from the championship tees. Zihao Su (Al Badia) carded a 73 in the final round to pick up best gross on day two. Also in the prizes were Martin Zika (Golf Club Praha) and Jai Bhalla (Dubai Creek) for best net on day one and day two respectively.
