As birthday presents for golf-mad teenagers go, enjoying a round in the Dubai sunshine with Rory McIlroy would probably be right up at the top of the list.
Promising Dubai-based talent Rayhan Thomas celebrated his 18th birthday back in November – but his best present arrived two months later as he teed it up with world number 11 McIlroy on Tuesday ahead of both players featuring at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic – starting Thursday.
The Indian amateur, born in Dubai, competes at Emirates Golf Club on a sponsor’s invite this week, enjoying nine holes with McIlroy on the Majlis course in preparation.
It’s one both players know well. Thomas, ranked 1,039th in the world, has grown up playing there, while McIlroy has fond memories having earned his first professional win here at this tournament back in 2009, aged 19, when he was only a year older than Thomas.
There are plenty of talented young golfers in the world today. But four-time major winner McIlroy believes Thomas has what it takes to make it to the top, because he has the right attitude, to go along with his talent.
“I would always go up to practice at The Els Club [at the Butch Harmon School of Golf] and he’s worked with [instructor] Justin [Parsons] and I remember everyone talking about this little Indian kid who’s got a really bright future,” recalls McIlroy of encountering a nine-year-old Thomas when McIlroy himself was emerging as a precocious talent back in 2010.
“It’s funny. He was nine? He looked 14 or 15 then. That’s unbelievable. “He’s come along so well since I first met him and everyone was talking about him then.
“I’ve always had time for him, he’s a really nice kid and he’ll do well. He’s got the right attitude to do well and I think that’s the most important thing. You see loads of kids with a lot of talent and they can do a lot. But if you don’t have the right attitude or work ethic it can only take you so far.
“He’s got his head screwed on and was obviously brought up the right way, and that will serve him well as he hopefully progresses in the game and goes from strength to strength.”
McIlroy added: “He’s doing really well in the amateur ranks, he’s played in the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy which I played in 12 years ago, so he’s going to do great as long as he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself and enjoys it.
“He’s progressed so well and he’s a great player. He does all the right things, he practices hard, he works on the right things and he’s got a good attitude, and it’s good to see him get opportunities like this, at some top class events with some top class players.”
McIlroy admits he was happy to offer any advice or answer questions for a player now a regular on the MENA Tour, although he remembers just simply enjoying similar opportunities to play with iconic players, such as compatriot Darren Clarke, when he was Thomas’ age.
“Not much,” replied McIlroy when asked what advice he game to Thomas.
“He’s playing a practice round just like I am. If he wants to ask me questions he’s more than welcome to and I’ll happily answer them, but I just let him do his thing.
“If he picks things up and asks me some questions, great, but I try never to impose or offer advice, because some guys don’t like that.
“Because I was like that. When I was out here playing with Darren Clarke (as a kid), I just wanted to enjoy the experience, I didn’t really want them to offer advice. I just wanted to experience it and see how they prepare for tournaments. But I’m happy to help.”
Rory McIlroy will be aiming for the title in Dubai.
Clarke, winner of the 2011 Open Championship, described Thomas as “a huge talent” last September after the prodigy fired a magical 10-under 61, highlighted by a world record-equaling nine birdies in a row, in a stunning display of golf in the second round of the Dubai Creek Open.
And whether Thomas asks for help or not, McIlroy feels nurturing the younger generation is a vital role the world’s top golfers play.
“Whether it’s here or wherever I always try and play some practice rounds with the guys who are upcoming because I don’t feel like it was that long ago that guys were doing the same with me,” he said.
“They helped me a lot and it’s easy for me to say to Rayhan ‘look, let’s go and play nine holes’. His game looks in great shape, he obviously knows this place really well, so as long as he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself, he just goes out and enjoys it, he should do fine.”
