David Ford Overcomes Injuries to Become Early Player of the Year Favorite!

Just like we discussed on the issue of elimination entering last season, David Ford, the standout senior at North Carolina proved that he is the man destined for the National Player of the Year title. The 22-year-old has struggled with back and hip injuries and has only played four times this year, but has 2 wins in the fall and two top-10 finishes. His ability to stay at it and get himself into better physical shape has placed him a shortlist now for collegiate honors and for that PGA Tour card in PGA Tour University.

David Ford’s success is even more remarkable considering the uncertainty he faced just a few months ago. His back and hip pain, which had plagued him for years, reached new levels last season. As a result, Ford struggled through the spring, finishing outside the top 25 in six events and managing only a T-24 at the Southern Amateur over the summer. However, instead of letting the pain derail his career, Ford made critical adjustments that helped him bounce back.

David Ford’s Road to Recovery

Unlike Price, Ford has been keen on his health, training alongside doctors and trainers to avoid a surgery. He altered his training program and changed exercise that targets his glutes, hamstrings, adductors, and shoulders to help alleviate his back. He ensured that he took healthier meals in an endeavor to complement what he did in the gym; he therefore avoided taking so many sweets. These changes, added to a new commitment to practice, started to show the first fruits as Ford received a progressive decline in pain while being able to play golf as before.

“Functionally, I can play golf,” Ford explained. “The pain is still there, but knowing I can sustain my body gives me confidence to keep going.”

This fall, David Ford has been a force. He opened the season with a top-10 finish at Sahalee, then secured sixth at Olympia Fields. His biggest moment came at the Ben Hogan Collegiate, where he dominated the field to win by three strokes. He followed that up by winning his second straight Williams Cup at Eagle Point, further solidifying his status as a player to watch this season.

Despite the accolades and attention, Ford remains focused on his performance. He’s aware of the distractions that come with being in contention for PGA Tour U rankings, but he’s determined not to let them impact his game. “It’s a great opportunity,” Ford said. “But thinking about it won’t help me on the course. I just need to keep playing smarter and practicing harder.”

As David Ford continues to excel, both individually and as a leader for his North Carolina team, his journey serves as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and dedication to the sport he loves.