Abu Dhabi: UAE’s young golfing sensation Rayhan Thomas received a huge shot in the arm ahead of his debut at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship yesterday. The 17-year-old got an opportunity to play nine holes at the capital course with none other than defending champion Rickie Fowler.
And the US golfing ace, after what little he has seen from the Dubai-based schoolboy, has backed the latter to do well on debut in front of home fans.
“I thought he did great. It’s fun for someone like me too… I don’t feel like I’m a whole lot older than him, but he’s still a young kid, coming out, playing junior golf,” said Fowler adding that he was aware of the youngster’s exploits in recent times.
“I know he’s had some success around here and I’ve heard a lot about his game. It was just fun to go out and play nine holes. I have no expectations for him or myself on a Tuesday. It’s just fun just to go hit it around,” said Fowler adding that the tournament experience would do a world of good to the youngster’s confidence.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience for him. But no, I love being able to see the young talent coming up, because I feel like it wasn’t very long ago that I was young and fresh coming out on Tour.
“Seems like he has a simple game and it’s very solid. You know, nothing crazy. I guess if he gets off to a good start and gets comfortable, I don’t see any reason why he can’t go to play well this week.”
Thomas too was elated with the opportunity he got and was quick to thank his coach Justin Parsons.
“It was arranged by my coach Justin and the experience was simply great. I spoke to him [Fowler] on how he deals with pressure before a major tournament and stuff. What type of shots he plays to get around the greens,” revealed Thomas, who got the invite for the prestigious tournament on the European Tour after becoming the first amateur to win a Mena Tour Event, with his victory at the Dubai Creek Open.
What impressed the standard 10 student was Fowler’s ‘wedge and iron game.’
“Rickie is strong and solid in both these departments. He also helped me out with some pin positions. I also spoke with his caddie [Joe Skovron] as he also has loads of experience,” added Thomas.
