David Ford was playing like one of the best amateurs in the world at the end of 2024. It's no surprise he starts 2025 on top of the leaderboard.

A 22-year-old American amateur making his debut on the European tour has upstaged Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and many of the world’s top players at the Dubai Desert Classic for a share of the first-round lead.

University of North Carolina senior David Ford made the most of his first trip outside the United States. The No. 6-ranked amateur in the world shares the lead at 7-under in the Dubai Desert Classic following a memorable first round highlighted by a 40-foot eagle putt and a run of five consecutive birdies at Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club.

RORY McILROY ticked off a “bucket list” experience by joining Borussia Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall – before hitting a bit of a brick wall at the Desert Classic. McIlroy, who opened

In a further cooling of hostilities in golf’s civil war, Northern Irishman offers rare compliment to Australian as he leaves role with LIV

Defending champion Rory McIlroy had to settle for a “scrappy” opening round of 70 in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Seeking a third straight win at Emirates Golf Club, McIlroy carded four birdies and two bogeys to lie five shots off the lead shared by American amateur David Ford, Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australian David Micheluzzi.

RORY McIlroy began his hunt for a record fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic title with a decent opening round of 70. The world number three described his performance as “scrappy” as he sits

Shubhankar Sharma and debutant Veer Ahlawat got off to a bad start on the first day of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025.

Rory McIlroy begins title defence with opening-round 70; Tom McKibbin also five shots off the lead amid LIV Golf links; David Ford, Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi clubhouse leaders after 65s; wa

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)