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.

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-roun

Italian golfer Guido Migliozzi is trailing behind David Ford, Ricardo Goiveia and David Micheluzzi. The former is at the fourth spot after Round 1 of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a score of 6-under. Here's taking a look at the full leaderboard after Round 1:

The first round of the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic was played at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, January 16.

Leading first round scores on Thursday in the DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Gbr & Irl unless stated, Par 72):

Scores from the European Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday -7 Ricardo Gouveia (Portugal) 65 David Micheluzzi (Australia) 65 David Ford (USA) 65 -6 Guido Migliozzi (Italy) 66 -5 Mike Lorenzo-V

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

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

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

Leading second-round scores from the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic on Friday (par 72; GBR & IRL unless stated):