David Ford is heading to Dubai.
The University of North Carolina senior earned an exemption to compete in the DP World Tour's 2025 Heroes Dubai Desert Classic, which will be held at the Emirates Golf Club from Jan. 16-19. He received an exemption from the field due to his top spot in the PGA Tour's 2025 collegiate rankings.
This is the fourth consecutive year the top prospect has been granted waivers.
“I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to compete in January’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, my first DP World Tour event,” Ford said in a press release. “Thank you Hero Dubai Desert Classic, DP The World Tour and PGA Tour College give me the opportunity to compete with the world’s top talent and further develop my game.”
Ford has two wins in four games with the Tar Heels this season, including a victory in the Williams Cup over No. 2 Josel Ballester and O'Brien of Arizona State. Brendan Valdez, the University’s third-place finisher. The trio were paired together in the first round.
Last year, Michael Thorbjornsen earned his PGA Tour card as the No. 1 player in the 2024 class and tied for 11th at the Dubai Desert Classic. He also competed the year before and finished tied for 20th.
