David Ford Earns Exemption Into Dubai Classic

UNC senior David Ford has earned exemption into the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic Jan. 16-19, 2025, at Emirates Golf Club. The senior from Peachtree Corners, Ga., 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 is being 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," said Ford. "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.

Ford has previously played in three PGA TOUR events.

"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.

"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."

In partnership with the World Amateur Golf Ranking, PGA TOUR University ranks players based on the last two years of their collegiate careers. The ranking period for the Class of 2025 concludes May 26, 2025, following the final round of stroke play at the NCAC Championship.

Upon the conclusion of the collegiate golf season, the No. 1 player in the final PGA TOUR University Ranking earns PGA TOUR membership. Players Nos. 2-5 (fully exempt) and Nos. 6-10 (conditional) earn Korn Ferry Tour membership, and players finishing 6 through 25 earn exempt membership on PGA TOUR Americas.

Scoreboard Slider

University of North Carolina Athletics

Related Videos