For the fifth year in a row, the top PGA TOUR University player at the conclusion of the fall college golf season in the U.S. will earn a coveted spot in Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place at Emirates Golf Club from January 22–25, 2026.
Past PGA TOUR University players who have competed in the Rolex Series event 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.
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Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “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. 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). The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is an eligible tournament in the PGA TOUR University Ranking and will be included on the player’s record as he competes for PGA TOUR University performance benefits.
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Brendan von Doehren, Executive Director of PGA TOUR University, said: “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. We’re thankful for five years of support from Simon and his team and look forward to providing another opportunity to one of the game’s most deserving and promising players.”
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.
Main Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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