NO.1 PGA tour university player to get spot in Hero Dubai Desert Classic

For the fifth year in a row, the top player in the PGA tour university ranking will earn a coveted spot in Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

"Our team is proud to uphold the tradition of welcoming elite amateurs to compete in a world-class event at a pivotal moment in their careers," said Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

"Last year, we watched David Ford tee off alongside four-time champion Rory McIlroy on the Majlis Course, joining a stellar field of international talent. This year’s top-ranked PGA TOUR University player will have the same opportunity to compete at the highest level with Rory returning once again amongst a stellar field.”

Top players in the PGA tour University Class of 2026 include Ben James (Virginia), Michael La Sasso (Ole Miss), Christiaan Maas (Texas), Jase Summy (Oklahoma) and Tommy Morrison (Texas).

"PGA TOUR University’s partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played an integral role in preparing college golf’s top players for professional golf," highlighted Brendan von Doehren, Executive Director of PGA TOUR University.

Past PGA TOUR University players who have competed in the Rolex Series include North Carolina’s David Ford, Stanford’s Michael Thorbjornsen, Texas Tech’s Ludvig Åberg and Texas A&M’s Sam Bennett.

Ford (T72/2025), Thorbjornsen (T11/2024) and Åberg (T70/2023) all made the cut at Emirates Golf Club, with Åberg’s performance coming just months before he went on to win the Omega European Masters and RSM Classic and earn a Ryder Cup captain’s pick in his first year as a pro.

Now entering its 37th edition, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, combining world-class sport with sustainability leadership and unforgettable fan experiences.

It will take place at Emirates Golf Club from January 22–25, 2026.

Early bird tickets are now on sale. with general admission free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend access starting from just AED 75 (AED 100 pre-event, AED 125 on the day). Children 17 and under go free all week.