Star Amateurs have their sights set on the Classic

Amateurs Rayhan Thomas and Jovan Rebula are confirmed to play in the region’s premier golfing event, the 2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from 24 – 27 January.

India’s number one amateur, Rayhan Thomas, will return to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for the third time. The 19 year old Dubai-based Indian amateur first took part in the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic where he made his first European Tour cut following an opening round of 68. Thomas has had some strong performances in 2018, winning the King Hamad Trophy as well as finishing second in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

Thomas commented: “It is a great honour to be invited to play in the tournament. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is one of my favourite events of the year and is always special for me. The Majlis course is like my home
course. I am feeling confident in my game and am looking forward to returning – 2019 is sure to be a special one!”
Nephew of the only three-time Omega Dubai Desert Classic Champion Ernie Els, Jovan Rebula, will make his European Tour and Middle East debut in January 2019. The 21-year-old rising star from South Africa made a significant jump in the World Golf Amateur rankings, moving from 192 to 59 after winning the British Amateur Championship this summer, becoming the first South African to win since 1966. As well as securing him an invite to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the win earned him spots in the Masters and U.S. Open Championship in 2019.

“Being invited to play in such an iconic tournament is a huge privilege. I am really looking forward to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic being my first European Tour event, especially as the tournament holds so much history for
my uncle,” said Rebula.

David Spencer, Tournament Director, stated: “We are thrilled to have Rayhan and Jovan join us for the 30th edition of the tournament. They are both exceptional young players and I look forward to seeing them in action. To
think neither of these young stars was born when we hosted our first tournament in 1989! Tickets are already selling fast – with lots of exciting new additions to the event and a strong playing field, the week is one not to be missed!”

The 30th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will be held at Emirates Golf Club from 24 – 27 January 2019. Since 1989, the tournament has seen 24 different winners from 13 different nations.