Junior golf standout Thomas gives commitment to UNLV men’s team

UNLV's men's golf team got stronger for 2012 on the eve of its 2011 spring season.

Arbor View High School junior Zane Thomas, one of the nation's leading junior golfers, gave the Rebels an oral commitment and will sign in November. Thomas, who has a 3.9 grade-point average, also considered Air Force, San Diego, Oregon and Santa Clara.

"I knew Coach (Dwaine) Knight is an extremely good teacher and he could take my game to the next level," he said. "I also wanted to stay close to home so my family and friends can watch me play."

Thomas burst upon the national scene in June when he won the American Junior Golf Association's Las Vegas Junior Open at Anthem Country Club by five strokes. He is the second local standout to commit to UNLV for 2012, joining Coronado junior A.J. McInerney.

Thomas said McInerney's decision entered into his own.

"He's a great player, and with him committing, I knew we could contend for a national title," Thomas said. "I'm looking forward to being A.J.'s teammate."

NCAA rules prohibit Knight from publicly commenting on Thomas until after he signs. Thomas said he's glad to have the recruiting process out of the way.

"I can focus on trying to win state," he said. "But I'm looking forward to playing college golf. I know if I play well, I can compete with the best."

The Rebels open their spring schedule Monday at the 54-hole Arizona Invitational in Tucson, Ariz.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.