David Ford earns exemption into DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic
28 Dec 2024
by Justin Golba of AmateurGolf.com
see also: David Ford Rankings
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David Ford (North Carolina Athletics Photo)
David Ford has earned an exemption into the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic from Jan. 16 to 19, 2025, at Emirates Golf Club.
Ford earned the exemption by finishing the fall portion of the collegiate golf schedule ranked No. 1 in the PGA TOUR University rankings. This is the fourth consecutive year the top-ranked player has been invited to play in the Rolex Series event.
"I am honored and humbled to receive this opportunity to play in my first DP World Tour event at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January," Ford said in a press release. "Thank you to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, DP World Tour, and PGA TOUR University for the chance to compete alongside the top talents in the world and further develop my game."
Ford moved into the top spot in the PGA TOUR University rankings after winning consecutive starts in the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational and the Williams Cup. The Hogan win at Colonial Country Club also provided Ford an exemption into the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge.
The senior at North Carolina has previously played in three PGA TOUR events. He is currently ranked No. 5 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.
"We're thrilled to welcome David to the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, continuing our proud tradition of giving elite amateurs the chance to compete in a top-tier event early in their careers," said Simon Corkill, executive director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Corkill went on to say, "I had the pleasure of watching David at the 2023 Eisenhower Trophy in Abu Dhabi, and I was thoroughly impressed. His sublime closing round of 8-under-par 64 played a crucial role in securing an 11-stroke victory for the U.S. team. The entire team at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is excited to see him in action once again as he takes on the Majlis Course alongside a stellar field, including our four-time champion Rory McIlroy."