The European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic is used to welcoming many of golf’s biggest stars. But in Thursday’s opening round, it was an unheralded 22-year-old amateur from the United States who stole the spotlight from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
Making his debut on the European Tour, David Ford, a senior at the University of North Carolina, fired a stunning bogey-free 7-under par 65 to grab a share of the first-round lead at the Emirates Golf Club. The left-hander’s round included a 40-foot eagle putt on his opening hole followed by a streak of five straight birdies midway through the day.
Ford earned his spot in the field thanks to his No. 1 ranking in the PGA Tour University standings last fall. It’s his first time competing in a professional event outside the United States. The world’s 6th ranked amateur has only made three previous PGA Tour starts, missing the cut in his last appearance at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Upstaging the Marquee Names
While Ford was tearing up the course, many of the pre-tournament favorites struggled in comparison. Defending champion and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy could only manage a 2-under 70, later admitting he felt “a little uncomfortable” in his 2025 competitive debut.
LIV Golf star Jon Rahm fared a bit better, posting a 3-under score through 14 holes before play was suspended due to darkness. But the Spaniard still finds himself chasing the unlikely leader heading into Friday’s second round.
It was just one of those days where everything went my way. I knew I was playing well coming in, but I never expected to put up a score like that in this field. It still hasn’t fully set in.
– David Ford
Proving He Belongs
Ford’s eye-opening performance served notice that he has the talent to compete with the very best professional golfers in the world. Although he still plans to finish out his senior season at North Carolina, a strong showing this week could open up new doors.
With temporary membership on the DP World Tour within reach and increased opportunities to play in PGA Tour events as a top collegiate player, this previously little-known amateur may not stay under the radar for much longer. Golf fans should remember the name David Ford, as his star seems to be on a rapid rise.
