GOLF – FOR the fourth consecutive year, the number one PGA Tour University player at the conclusion of the fall college golf season in the US will earn an exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The top-ranked player in the PGA Tour University standings as of November 27 will receive an invitation to compete in the prestigious Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, taking place from January 16 to 19 next year.
In each of the last two years, the top-ranked PGA Tour University player has made the cut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Ludvig Åberg finished tied-70th in 2023, while Michael Thorbjornsen secured an impressive tie for 11th in 2024. Both players went on to conclude their collegiate careers ranked number one in the PGA Tour University standings, earning PGA Tour membership.
Åberg continued his success by winning for the first time on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, earning a Ryder Cup captain’s pick in his rookie season.
Thorbjornsen posted two top-10 finishes in 10 PGA Tour starts since turning pro in June while Sam Bennett, the first PGA Tour University exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, finished 31st on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List in his second pro season.
Hero Dubai Desert Classic executive tournament director Simon Corkill said: “We’re thrilled to once again offer the top-ranked player in PGA Tour University an exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. This event has a rich history of showcasing future stars, and we’re proud to be a part of the journey for these talented young golfers.
“Watching players like Ludvig Åberg and Michael Thorbjornsen not only compete but excel on the global stage reinforces the significance of this opportunity.”
Auburn’s Brendan Valdes is currently number one in the PGA Tour University Ranking, and he narrowly leads North Carolina’s David Ford. Also in contention for the exemption are Arizona State teammates, number three Josele Ballester, who won the US Amateur title earlier this summer, and number four Preston Summerhays.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the Middle East’s oldest golf tournament, with the 2025 event marking its 36th edition. First held in 1989, the event is a cornerstone of the DP World Tour, which will be returning to the kingdom next year for the second edition of the prestigious Bahrain Championship.
World number three and defending champion Rory McIlroy recently confirmed his intention to return to Emirates Golf Club in search of a record fifth title, and third in a row, in January.
Ticketing for the event is now open, with both free general admission tickets and a range of hospitality packages available at dubaidesertclassic.com.
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