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.

At the Dubai Desert Classic, Jon Rahm said “we’re living in a golden era right now for golf,” which Rory McIlroy didn’t quite agree with.

Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

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.

Given the field assembled for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week, it was always possible there would be players who break through the defences of the Majlis Course. The rough is malicious at Emirates Golf Club,

When Rory McIlroy told the media ahead of his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title defence that players would need to play a little “safer” due to the challenging course setup, few expected anyone to go particularly low this week.