FORD HITS TOP GEAR
By
American amateur David Ford manoeuvred himself to the top of the leaderboard after day one of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with an opening round of seven-under-par 65.
Ford earned an exemption into the $9 million Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour by finishing the autumn portion of the PGA Tour University rankings as Number One. This is the fourth consecutive year the top-ranked player has been invited to play in the oldest professional event outside continental Europe on the DP World Tour.
Currently ranked sixth in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Ford commenced his second start on the DP World Tour with an eagle on the 10th, his opening hole. Four further gains on his opening nine holes, including 16, 17, and 18, with just one blemish on the card, saw him make the turn in five-under-par.
The 22-year-old then continued his birdie run on the first and second holes of the Majlis to reach seven-underpar, where he would finish the day.
“It was great,” said Ford. “I got a couple of putts to fall that I didn’t know were going to go in and 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.”
Ford is following in the footsteps of fellow PGA Tour University players Ludvig Åberg and Michael Thorbjornsen, who both played in this event and made the cut in 2023 and 2024.
Both of those players went on to finish their college careers number one in the PGA Tour University Ranking and earned PGA Tour membership, with Åberg going on to win the Omega European Masters and RSM Classic, and earn a Ryder Cup captain’s pick in his first season as a professional. Something that Ford can draw inspiration from.
“The plan right now is to turn pro in May after the National Championship. Things could change. But yeah, right now, from the outside looking in, I think just planning to turn pro in May. Until then, just play a lot of golf, hang out with the team, and have a lot of fun.”
Ford is joined at the top of the leaderboard after Round One alongside Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australian David Micheluzzi. Defending champion and four-time winner of the event, Rory McIlroy, opened up with a twounder-par. Meanwhile, two-time Major Champion Jon Rahm was one better on three-under.
Key Holes
Edoardo Molinari gives his guide to the Majlis Course. PAGE 3
Next-Level
The Peter Cowen Academy opens its doors to its revamped studio. PAGE 4
Best Bits
Take a look at yesterday’s picture round-up. PAGE 12
Step Fore It
Make sure to get your steps in to win some great prizes. PAGE 14
Weather Watch
Classic. Temperature highs look to be sitting around the mid 20s all week, with a sunshine and clear skies mixed in with some scattered light clouds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As always, don’t forget your SPF and make sure you stay hydrated when out on the course with the free water-filling stations!
QUIET RORS ON DAY ONE
RORY MCILROY began his 2025 season with a two-under-par 70 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, calling his opening round “a bit scrappy.” Playing his first competitive event since November, the World No. Three mixed four birdies with two bogeys, admitting he felt “a little uncomfortable over some shots.”
Reflecting on his break leading into the tournament, McIlroy said he had been focused on “having fun,” with time off including a trip to New Zealand and attending a Borussia Dortmund game. Despite the rust, he was pleased with his performance, noting, “I got it around today... didn’t put myself out of the tournament, which is the main thing.”
Starting on the back nine, McIlroy birdied the 10th but bogeyed both the 12th and 14th. However, he bounced back with a chip-in on the seventh and birdies on the second. “I think it’s a great set-up,” he said of the course. “But it really tests you off the tee... if you miss a green, it’s obviously very tricky.”
McIlroy acknowledged his short game being key, saying, “I did a good job of scrambling today... made a lot of key upand-downs.” However, he added, “I don’t want to have to rely on my short game the rest of the week like I did today.”
Magic Mike
MIKE LORENZO-VERA made a special return to DP World Tour action on Thursday, carding a fiveunder 67 on his first competitive round since July.
After a six-month absence due to mental health struggles, the Frenchman credited a refreshed mindset for his impressive performance.
Lorenzo-Vera, who last played at the Barracuda Championship in July, took time off to focus on his well-being, working with the DP World Tour’s medical team. “I had a lot of treatment to do and resting, working a lot on my mental strength,” he said. During his break, he played recreationally, starting with relaxed rounds of 18 and 27 holes, aiming to rediscover his love for the game.
“Just play golf, find joy in the game, and it feels good,” he added.
The 39-year-old impressed on the Majlis Course, eagleing the par-five 18th and adding birdies on the second and fifth, despite a lone bogey on the sixth. Reflecting on his return, he’s remaining as cool as usual, “The mindset was very important... just go out there and enjoy playing golf, which was not easy the last two to three years.”
Lorenzo-Vera, who has struggled with consistency in recent years, is hopeful for the future, saying, “I felt I could play some proper golf because I feel rested.”
Three-time DP World Tour winner and Europe’s Ryder Cup Vice Captain Edoardo Molinari identifies the key holes on the Majlis Course as one of golf’s leading data analysts.
Hole 18
Par: 5 • Yards: 564
The tee shot on the par-five final hole on the Majlis is probably the most important of the round, with players who can go for the green in two better off by 0.514 shots per round compared to those who lay up.
The fairway slopes slightly towards the water and narrows when you take on the corner but when hitting the fairway, 55% of players make birdie or better, with that dropping to 30% if you miss the short stuff.
Typically, the 18th is one of the easiest holes on the course but with water comes variability in scoring and while 44% of players make birdie or better, 10% also record bogey or worse.
Hole 9
Par: 4 • Yards: 488
MAJLIS Key Holes
Usually, the toughest hole on the golf course as it is relatively easy to find water either off the tee or with your second shot.
The end of the front nine presents players with the most difficult approach shot on the layout, a task made even harder if you miss the fairway, with just 26% of players who do so hitting the green.
This 488-yard par four yields a birdie just 7% of the time, with 32% of players recording bogey or worse.
Hole 13
Par: 5 • Yards: 554
This par-five dog-leg has presented a good birdie opportunity in the past, with 42% of players making birdie or better but with water to the right of the tricky green, it is not a hole to be taken for granted.
As well as having water to the right, fewer than 40% of players get up and down if they miss left, so hitting the green is key if you decide to go for it in two.
All this means that while birdie or even eagle is gettable, 9% of players also record bogey or worse.
RAISING THE BAR
Emirates Golf Club has recently reopened the fully revamped Peter Cowen Academy, now fitted with cutting-edge technology and modern facilities, bolstering its reputation as a leading centre in golf instruction for all skill levels.
The refurb includes a new, fully equipped academy building with stateof-the-art Swing Studios, a Simulator Studio, and a Putting Studio. These are powered by advanced Trackman 4 technology for swing analysis, 3D motion capture for biomechanical insights, V1 Swing Analysis for performance reviews, and the Swing Catalyst Dual Force Plate for measuring ground forces.
The innovative Putting Studio, with adjustable gradients to replicate real course conditions, offers enhanced practice opportunities. Emirates Golf Club is one of the first facilities in the
Middle East to offer these cutting-edge technologies, setting a new standard for golf instruction in the region.
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf and Viya Golf Abu Dhabi, said: “The refurbishment of the Peter Cowen Academy demonstrates our commitment to offering world-class golf instruction.
“These upgrades elevate our facilities, and we’re excited to continue setting the standard for golf education for our members and guests.”
Alastair Brown, Head Academy Professional at the Peter Cowen Academy, added: “The upgrades have created a fantastic learning environment. With the new technology, players now have access to powerful tools that provide real insights into their game.
“It’s a brilliant step forward to help everyone improve and enjoy their golf even more.”
practice areas, including a Trackman driving range, short game areas, putting greens, and a Par
junior programmes, ladies’ events, and corporate sessions. The academy also features top-tier
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In addition to the main upgrades, the academy now includes four new swing bays, a putting studio, and a golf simulator room for enhanced practice and analysis.
BALLS FOR BIRDIES THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD
EWEN FERGUSON
“Five weeks off, first event back. Felt quite good mentally”
BALLS FOR BIRDIES, an initiative created in 2024 by the DP World Tour’s Title and Official Logistics Partner, DP World, will continue for the 2025 Race to Dubai season after a highly successful roll-out last year.
The project has seen DP World donate one golf ball for every birdie, two balls for every eagle, and 100 balls for every albatross made during a DP World Tour tournament. DP World has partnered with various grassroots projects around the world to receive these new balls, including the Junior Golf Foundation in Kenya, the South African Disabled Golf Association, Golf Foundation India and the UK Women’s Golf Community.
During the 2024 DP World Tour season there were 63,341 birdies, 1,894 eagles and 2 albatrosses. As a result, DP World used its global logistics expertise to travel over 60,000km and has now delivered over 350,000 golf balls and other equipment to grassroots projects worldwide. The top contributor last season from the DP World Tour membership was South African Casey Jarvis, with 498 birdies and 17 eagles.
The initiative builds on DP World’s unique Second Life Container campaign which has collected and donated the growing total of 350,000 lost and unwanted golf balls over the past few years, further helping to grow the game of golf globally.
RORY MCILROY
“I felt I played probably better the first eight holes where I was one over par, compared to the last ten where I was three under”
CALUM HILL
“A very good start to the year and I am really pleased”
RICARDO GOUVEIA
“One of those days everything went really well”
GUIDO MIGLIOZZI
“I didn’t know that it’s my 150th tournament. Time flies!”
DAVID MICHELUZZI
“Lunch tastes very sweet after that”
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ORDER OF PLAY
FRIDAY
JANUARY 17, 2025
Plan the day watching your favourite players with this guide to the groupings and tee times.
1. TIME 07:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jens DANTORP (SWE) -2
◼ Ross FISHER (ENG) -1
◼ Matthias SCHWAB (AUT) E
2. TIME 07:15 HOLE 1
◼ David FORD (AM) (USA) -7
◼ Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) -5
◼ Ivan CANTERO (ESP) -2
3. TIME 07:25 HOLE 1
◼ Frederic LACROIX (FRA) +1
◼ Yannik PAUL (GER) +4
◼ Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) -2
4. TIME 07:35 HOLE 1
◼ Richie RAMSAY (SCO) -2
◼ Daniel HILLIER (NZL) -4
◼ Ryggs JOHNSTON (USA) +1
5. TIME 07:45 HOLE 1
◼ Daniel BROWN (ENG) +3
◼ Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) -3
◼ Jeff WINTHER (DEN) +1
6. TIME 07:55 HOLE 1
◼ Joost LUITEN (NED) E
◼ Tom VAILLANT (FRA) E
◼ Scott JAMIESON (SCO) -2
7. TIME 08:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jeong weon KO (FRA) +1
◼ Casey JARVIS (RSA) -4
◼ Richard MANSELL (ENG) -2
8. TIME 08:15 HOLE 1
◼ Ockie STRYDOM (RSA) -1
◼ Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR) +3
◼ Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) -2
9. TIME 08:25 HOLE 1
◼ Dale WHITNELL (ENG) E
◼ Louis DE JAGER (RSA) -3
◼ Marcus ARMITAGE (ENG) -1
10. TIME 08:35 HOLE 1
◼ Adam BRESNU (AM) (MAR) +1
◼ Ashun WU (CHN) +2
◼ Joel GIRRBACH (SUI) E
11. TIME 07:05 HOLE 10
◼ Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) +3
◼ Yuto KATSURAGAWA (JPN) -2
◼ David RAVETTO (FRA) -4
12. TIME 07:15 HOLE 10
◼ Darius VAN DRIEL (NED) +1
◼ Guido MIGLIOZZI (ITA) -6
◼ Laurie CANTER (ENG) -4
13. TIME 07:25 HOLE 10
◼ Pablo LARRAZÁBAL (ESP) +3
◼ Adrian MERONK (POL) +1
◼ Alexander BJÖRK (SWE) -1
14. TIME 07:35 HOLE 10
◼ Thomas PIETERS (BEL) -1
◼ Sebastian SÖDERBERG (SWE) +2
◼ John PARRY (ENG) +2
15. TIME 07:45 HOLE 10
◼ Luke DONALD (ENG) +5
◼ Rasmus NEERGAARD-PETERSEN (DEN) E
◼ Angel HIDALGO (ESP) -1
16. TIME 07:55 HOLE 10
◼ Thriston LAWRENCE (RSA) -1
◼ Niklas NORGAARD (DEN) -1
◼ Matt WALLACE (ENG) -2
17. TIME 08:05 HOLE 10
◼ Jon RAHM (ESP) -3
◼ Robert MACINTYRE (SCO) -1
◼ Adam SCOTT (AUS) -1
18. TIME 08:15 HOLE 10
◼ Min Woo LEE (AUS) -1
◼ Rasmus HØJGAARD (DEN) -1
◼ Akshay BHATIA (USA) -3
19. TIME 08:25 HOLE 10
◼ Ugo COUSSAUD (FRA) +1
◼ Alex FITZPATRICK (ENG) +2
◼ Patrick REED (USA) -2
20. TIME 08:35 HOLE 10
◼ Nicolas COLSAERTS (BEL) -2
◼ Marcus KINHULT (SWE) +6
◼ Andrew WILSON (ENG) +1
21. TIME 11:25 HOLE 1
◼ Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) -5
◼ Nathan KIMSEY (ENG) +3
◼ Robin WILLIAMS (RSA) -4
22. TIME 11:35 HOLE 1
◼ Adrian OTAEGUI (UAE) +1
◼ Dean BURMESTER (RSA) +1
◼ Sam BAIRSTOW (ENG) E
23. TIME 11:45 HOLE 1
◼ Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) +4
◼ Joe DEAN (ENG) E
◼ Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) -2
24. TIME 11:55 HOLE 1
◼ Romain LANGASQUE (FRA) +2
◼ Matthew JORDAN (ENG) -1
◼ Dan BRADBURY (ENG) -1
25. TIME 12:05 HOLE 1
◼ Tom MCKIBBIN (NIR) -2
◼ Johannes VEERMAN (USA) -4
◼ Elvis SMYLIE (AUS) +2
26. TIME 12:15 HOLE 1
◼ Jordan SMITH (ENG) E
◼ Ryan FOX (NZL) -4
◼ Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN) -2
27. TIME 12:25 HOLE 1
◼ Rory MCILROY (NIR) -2
◼ Viktor HOVLAND (NOR) +3
◼ Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) -1
28. TIME 12:35 HOLE 1
◼ Paul WARING (ENG) -2
◼ Tyrrell HATTON (ENG) -1
◼ Nicolai HØJGAARD (DEN) E
29. TIME 12:45 HOLE 1
◼ Ewen FERGUSON (SCO) -5
◼ Keita NAKAJIMA (JPN) -4
◼ Jimmy WALKER (USA) +2
30. TIME 12:55 HOLE 1
◼ Julien GUERRIER (FRA) -3
◼ Marcel SIEM (GER) -2
◼ Shaun NORRIS (RSA) -3
31. TIME 13:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jayden SCHAPER (RSA) -1
◼ Jordan GUMBERG (USA) E
◼ Todd CLEMENTS (ENG) -4
32. TIME 11:25 HOLE 10
◼ Jannik DE BRUYN (GER) -1
◼ George COETZEE (RSA) +1
◼ Alexander KNAPPE (GER) +4
33. TIME 11:35 HOLE 10
◼ Preston SUMMERHAYS (AM) (USA) -2
◼ Jacques KRUYSWIJK (RSA) +1
◼ Manuel ELVIRA (ESP) -1
34. TIME 11:45 HOLE 10
◼ Nacho ELVIRA (ESP) E
◼ Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR) -7
◼ Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) -2
35. TIME 11:55 HOLE 10
◼ Darren FICHARDT (RSA) E
◼ Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) +1
◼ Haotong LI (CHN) -2
36. TIME 12:05 HOLE 10
◼ Andrea PAVAN (ITA) +1
◼ Aaron COCKERILL (CAN) +4
◼ Gavin GREEN (MAS) E
37. TIME 12:15 HOLE 10
◼ Calum HILL (SCO) -5
◼ Grant FORREST (SCO) E
◼ Brandon STONE (RSA) -3
38. TIME 12:25 HOLE 10
◼ Matthew BALDWIN (ENG) -1
◼ David MICHELUZZI (AUS) -7
◼ Sean CROCKER (USA) -1
39. TIME 12:35 HOLE 10
◼ Alejandro DEL REY (ESP) +3
◼ Alfredo GARCIA-HEREDIA (ESP) E
◼ Adrien SADDIER (FRA) +1
40. TIME 12:45 HOLE 10
◼ Ryan VAN VELZEN (RSA) +6
◼ Connor SYME (SCO) -1
◼ Francesco LAPORTA (ITA) E
41. TIME 12:55 HOLE 10
◼ Veer AHLAWAT (IND) +2
◼ Daniel GAVINS (ENG) -2
◼ Callum SHINKWIN (ENG) -3
42. TIME 13:05 HOLE 10
◼ Thomas AIKEN (RSA) +4
◼ Marcel SCHNEIDER (GER) -2
◼ Simon FORSSTRÖM (SWE) -1
“I RUINED ALL THAT HARD WORK ON THE SIXTH HOLE”
My opening round was an up-and-down one to be honest. We teed off at seven o’clock in the morning and it was a bit humid, so the ball didn’t fly as much. I knew hitting the fairway was going to be a premium as the rough was thick, and you have to hit the ball really well to get the scores that the leaders posted today.
Starting on the 10th, the first few holes were a little rusty for me after the winter break, and then I started to hit the ball a bit better. I got into the rhythm and managed to make two birdies on my back nine, on holes two and four, to get under par.
But then I ruined all that hard work on sixth hole with a double bogey, which was a real shame. I hit my drive left, had about a one-kilometre putt, which I ended up four-putting to sign for a six on a par four. That stopped the momentum really, which was a bit of a shame. Some parts of the round were good, so I’ll try to keep that feeling for tomorrow.
I wasn’t nervous today though, even though it was my first event in the UAE since I started representing the country. I’ve played over 300 events on the DP World Tour, and I’ve learned how to treat it just like any other event. That allows me to just focus on the course. It’s still a pleasure to play at Emirates Golf Club; it’s one of my favourite golf courses, I just find it a challenge!
For tomorrow, as you know with me, my strategy is already set on the lead up to the tournament. So I just stick with that for the week, well at least
for tomorrow, which is my philosophy. Even though my track record around here isn’t the greatest, I know what works for me, so I’ll just stick with what I know and take it hole-by-hole in round two.
I’ll go grab some lunch now, then practise some putting, maybe hit a few balls, and work on the strike of my irons. After that, I’ll hit the gym and rest. My brother and father are staying with me at my house in Al Jaddaf, near the Creek, so I’m looking forward to relaxing with them tonight and having a nice home-cooked meal.
DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE GOLF
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) was the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events.
The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.
Obtaining GEO Certified® status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.
During the tournament this week, there
are new dedicated workshops taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th to provide visitors of all ages with a range of funfilled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth.
In addition to the activities, high-quality filtered water dispensers, provided by Liquid of Life and Al Laith will be available around the venue, so remember to bring reusable water bottles! The installation of the dispensers aligns with Dubai Can’s sustainability initiative that aims to minimise single-use plastic bottle waste in Dubai.
These sustainability practices are part of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s ‘Go For the Green’ initiative, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the planet.
Visitors are being encouraged to travel by the Dubai Metro with Al Khail Metro Station right outside the Club’s entrance, while those driving can pay AED50 to park with all parking fees being used to plant mangrove trees in Dubai.
Leadership In Sustainability And Climate Action
• Delivering on UN sustainable development goals
• Delivering on the UN decade of action
• Delivering on Dubai 2030 strategic plan, Dubai 2040 urban master plan and UAE commitment to a net zero economy by 2050
• Aligned with the DP World Tour Green Drive
• GEO certified® tournament within 3 years positively impacting communities; demonstrating innovation in resource use; promoting the value of nature.
FINGERS
By harnessing the power of the sun 80% of the area between the 11th and 15th holes is powered by solar panels.
In only a few days, the event recycles over 5 tonnes of glass — enough energy to power a laptop for 312 days
By using refillable alternatives, over 120,000 singleuse plastic bottles are diverted from landfill – and that’s just since the start of the initiative in 2022.
100% B20 biodiesel is used throughout the event, helping towards Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 target of using 75% clean energy.
FEELING GOOD
Promoting Health & Wellness In Golf: Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 launches spectator Step Fore It challenge
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 is celebrating the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of golf for both spectators and players with the launch of Step Fore It, an exciting new initiative that will challenge tournament visitors to rack up as many steps as possible throughout the event – with prizes for those topping the leaderboard.
The healthy spectator stats that inspired Step Fore It
Research shows that golf spectators average over 11,500 steps per day at events, offering a unique combination of physical activity, outdoor enjoyment, and social interaction. In a world grappling with the health risks of inactivity, golf provides a fun, accessible way to get moving. Each year, over 10 million people attend golf tournaments, collectively walking millions of steps. At The 152nd Open over 168 million steps were taken by spectators across Royal Troon whilst at events like the Schengen Open, spectators walked the equivalent of the Great Wall of China, and Ryder Cup fans covered four times the globe’s circumference.
Step Fore It
Step Fore It was conceptualised by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as part of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign supported by the Emirates Golf Federation. Designed to encourage spectators of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle, this initiative encourages audiences to get moving while enjoying the tournament. Whether it’s strolling between holes or taking in the action at key viewing spots - every step will count.
Participants can register upon entry by signing up at a designated counter in Tournament Town from 7am daily. They can track their steps throughout the day and submit their final count by 6pm on Thursday to Saturday or by 4pm on Sunday. Each day, the top three participants with the highest step counts will win exclusive prizes.
Swing into health – the physical benefits of playing golf
As well as being a healthy sport for spectators, golf is one of the healthiest sports to play, with regular golfers enjoying a longer-then-average life span. Research commissioned by The R&A has shown that playing a round of golf offers a unique combination of health benefits thanks to moderate, long-duration physical activity. Golfers who walk the courses, which can be up to eight miles, can rack up to 17,000 steps and burn up to 1,200 calories over 18 holes. Even those using a golf cart gain health benefits, covering up to 6,000 steps and four miles per round, burning an average of 600 calories.
Regular play contributes to improved overall health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like hip fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the increased physical activity has a positive impact on mental well-being.
Player Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone returns for second year
In addition to the Step Fore It spectator initiative, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again feature the innovative Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the 2025 edition. As one of the first tournaments in the world to introduce such a facility, it continues to set
a new standard by prioritising health and wellness in professional golf. After a successful launch in 2024, the Zone is designed to support players’ mental and physical well-being, providing a dedicated space to manage stress, enhance focus, and maintain peak performance levels.
Located within SENSASIA Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club, the Zone offers a range of services including mental fitness training, sleep chambers, mindfulness sessions, and nourishing brain-boosting foods. Players can also experience virtual reality for visualization, along with one-on-one consultations with mental health professionals.