Who Is Torbjornsen, the Surprise Leader at the Dubai Classic?

Stanford University Student, Amateur World Ranking No. 2

"Who is this player?"

Michael Torbjornsen. Photo by Michael Torbjornsen Instagram

There is a golfer attracting attention at the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) Hero Dubai Desert Classic (total prize money $9 million). The protagonist is Michael Torbjonsen (USA). On the 28th (local time), at the Emirates Golf Club (par 72, 7,428 yards) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Torbjonsen took the top spot on the leaderboard after the second round of the DP World Tour event. Torbjonsen is tied for first place (10 under par 134) along with Thomas Pieters (Belgium) and Richard Bland (England).

Torbjonsen recorded 1 eagle and 7 birdies (1 bogey). Starting with a birdie on the first hole, the 10th hole (par 5), he made 4 consecutive birdies from the 12th to the 15th holes, and then chipped in for an eagle on the 18th hole (par 5), reducing his score by 7 strokes in the front nine. In the back nine, after a bogey on the 1st hole, he recovered with a birdie on the 2nd hole and added another birdie on the 6th hole (both par 4). His average driving distance was 287 yards, but his putting, with 25 putts, was outstanding.

Torbjonsen is a 21-year-old amateur golfer born in September 2001 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He is currently attending the prestigious Stanford University. He is ranked 2nd in the amateur world rankings. He was introduced to golf at the age of two and gained recognition by winning the 2018 US Junior Amateur. In 2019, he participated in the US Open and advanced to the main tournament, finishing 79th. In 2022, he placed 4th at the PGA Tour Travelers Championship.

Torbjonsen said, "My goal is to win," but added, "I will focus more on the process than the result." There have been a total of four amateur wins on the DP World Tour, including Danny Lee (New Zealand) at the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic. If Torbjonsen reaches the top, he will be the fifth amateur to do so in history.