Hero Dubai Desert Classic: American Amateur David Ford Shares Lead After Day 1

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2025 Hero Hero Dubai Desert Classic David Ford Co-Leads Day 1
David Ford interacts with is caddie on the 18th green on day 1 of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates GC on Jan 16, 2025 in Dubai, UAE. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird via Getty Images)

David Ford, a 22-year-old American amateur from the University of North Carolina, shares the lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Ford posted a first-round score of 7-under 65 at Emirates Golf Club, which included an opening-hole eagle followed by a run of five consecutive birdies. The performance has not only put him at the top of the leaderboard but also highlighted his potential as the No. 1 player in the PGA Tour University rankings.

“It was great,” said Ford, the ACC Player of the Year in 2023. “I got a couple putts to fall that I didn’t know were going to go in hit a lot of good iron shots.

“I love where the pins were set up today. I felt like a lot of them fit my eye.

“Overall, solid. Definitely missed a few shots and want a few swings back but overall, felt good about it.”

Ford’s round was marked by just a single bogey, showcasing his skill and composure in his debut on the European tour. The lefthanded star was tied with David Micheluzzi and Ricardo Gouveia, while lapping tournament headliners Jon Rahm (by four shots) and Rory McIlroy (by five).

Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Top-5 Leaders: Round 1
1. David Ford -7 (65)
1. David Micheluzzi -7 (65)
1. Ricardo Gouveia -7 (65)
4. Guido Migliozzi -6 (66)
5. Jason Scrivener -5 (67)
5. Mike Lorenzo-Vera -5 (67)
5. Calum Hill -5 (67)
5. Ewen Ferguson -5 (67)

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