PGA Tour University No.1 player to receive exemption into 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic
In each of the last two years, the top-ranked PGA TOUR University player has made the cut
For the fourth consecutive year, the No.1 PGA TOUR University player at the conclusion of the fall college golf season in the U.S. will earn an exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The top-ranked player in the PGA TOUR University standings as of November 27, 2024, will receive an invitation to compete in the prestigious Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, taking place from January 16-19, 2025.
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 No. 1 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.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Dubai Desert Classic, 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. We look forward to welcoming the next top-ranked player to Emirates Golf Club and seeing what they can achieve in this prestigious Rolex Series event.”
Auburn’s Brendan Valdes is currently No. 1 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 Josele Ballester (No. 3), who won the U.S. Amateur earlier this summer, and Preston Summerhays (No. 4).
The No. 1 player in the PGA TOUR University Ranking on November 27, 2024, will not only receive the exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, but also full PGA TOUR University points for his finish in the event.
Brendan von Doehren, Executive Director of PGA TOUR University, said: “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played an integral role in the careers of Sam Bennett, Ludvig Åberg and Michael Thorbjornsen, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the tournament’s support of PGA TOUR University and amateur golf. There’s no better way to prepare for a professional career than competing against the world’s best in an event like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.”