The top-ranked player from the PGA Tour University will once again earn an exemption to compete at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, organisers announced on Monday.
For the fourth consecutive year, the player at the top of the standings as of November 27 will receive an invitation to play in the DP World Tour Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, taking place from January 16-19, 2025.
In each of the past two years, the top-ranked PGA Tour University player has made the cut at the Dubai Desert Classic. Ludvig Aberg finished tied 70th in 2023, while Michael Thorbjornsen secured an impressive tied-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.
Aberg has continued his success as a professional, winning four titles globally and making the European Ryder Cup team in 2023 where he helped the hosts dominate the United States in Rome. One of the best players on the planet, the 24-year-old Swede is No 5 in the world rankings.
Thorbjornsen, meanwhile, 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 Dubai Desert Classic, finished 31st on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in his second pro season.
“We’re thrilled to once again offer the top-ranked player in PGA Tour University an exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic," said Simon Corkill, executive tournament director of the 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 Aberg 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.”
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Rory McIlroy after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 18th hole. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy with his parents, Rosie and Gerry, after the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 13th hole. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy has now won the Dubai Desert Classic four times. AP -
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy shakes hands with Cameron Young of the United States on the 18th green. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy shot a final round 70 to win by one shot over Adrian Meronk. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off in Dubai. EPA -
Adrian Meronk tees off on the first hole. The Pole shot a final round 71. Getty Images -
Cameron Young finished in third place after a final round 74. Getty Images -
Adrian Meronk plays his second shot on the sixth hole. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in action during the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. EPA -
Tommy Fleetwood of England finished tied 14th after a final round 73. Getty Images -
Rory McIlroy plays a bunker shot on the fourth hole. Getty Images -
Cameron Young tees off on the eighth hole. Getty Images -
Cameron Young plays a shot left-handed on the sixth hole. Getty Images
Auburn’s Brendan Valdes is currently No 1 in the PGA Tour University rankings, 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 US Amateur earlier this summer, and fourth-ranked Preston Summerhays.
The participating player will not only receive the exemption into the Dubai Desert Classic but also full PGA Tour University points for his finish in the event.
“The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played an integral role in the careers of Sam Bennett, Ludvig Aberg and Michael Thorbjornsen, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the tournament’s support of PGA Tour University and amateur golf," said Brendan von Doehren, executive director of PGA Tour University. "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.”
Whichever amateur qualifies, he will have the chance to compete alongside some of the biggest names in golf, including Rory McIlroy, who last week confirmed he would return aiming to win the tournament for the third straight year and fifth overall.
