David Ford is heading to Dubai.
The senior at North Carolina earned an exemption into the DP World Tour’s 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, set for Jan. 16-19 at Emirates Golf Club. He earned the exemption in the field thanks to his spot on top of the PGA Tour University Class of 2025 rankings.
This is the fourth consecutive year the top player has earned an exemption.
“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 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.”
This season, Ford has two wins in four starts for the Tar Heels, including his victory at the Williams Cup, where he beat No. 2 Josele Ballester of Arizona State and No. 3 Brendan Valdes of Auburn. The trio were grouped together in the opening round.
Last year, Michael Thorbjornsen, who finished first in the Class of 2024 rankings to earn his PGA Tour card, finished T-11 in the Dubai Desert Classic. He also played the year prior, placing T-20.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: David Ford earns DP World Tour exemption via PGA Tour U ranking
