David Ford, North Carolina continue success at Williams Cup

October 22, 2024 | by Justin Golba of AmateurGolf.com

Roy Williams (left) and David Ford (UNC Athletics Photo)

Ford sunk a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 16 to take a one-shot lead and, ultimately, held onto that slim lead and secured the win

For the second season in a row, David Ford and North Carolina pulled off a clean sweep at the North-Carolina-hosted Williams Cup at Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, N.C.

Ford shot rounds of 68-68-70 to get to 10-under and win by one shot. The senior standout sunk a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 16 to take a one-shot lead and, ultimately, held onto that slim lead and secured the win for him and the Tar Heels.

Ford is ranked No. 6 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.

It was Ford's second straight win in the Williams Cup and his fourth consecutive top-two finish in the event over his career as a Tar Heel.

He also placed second as a freshman in 2022, tied for second in 2023, and won last season. Ford has now shot 25 under par in 12 career rounds in the Williams Cup at Eagle Point.

According to North Carolina athletics, this win is the 23rd for the Tar Heels in Andrew DiBitetto's eighth season as head coach. UNC has won at least one team title in each of its eight seasons.

It was Ford's second win in as many starts this fall and his fourth career title, the most by a Tar Heel since Dustin Bray won a school-record seven times from 2001-04.

Connor Williams of Arizona State finished in solo second place at 9-under, and Josiah Gilbert finished in solo third place at 8-under. Jack Turner of Florida finished in solo fourth place at 6-under, and 2024 U.S. Amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester of Arizona State and David Ford's brother, Maxwell Ford, finished T5 at 5-under.

In the team competition, North Carolina barely edged Arizona State, finishing 16-under with rounds of 286-285-277. Arizona State finished in solo second place at 15-under.

Defending national champions Auburn finished in solo third place at 12-under.

Results: Williams Cup

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	David Ford	Peachtree Corners, GA	600	68-68-70=206
2	Connor Williams	Escondido, CA	400	70-67-70=207
3	Josiah Gilbert	, Australia	300	68-71-69=208
4	Jack Turner	Orlando, FL	300	73-70-67=210
5	Jose Luis Ballester	, Spain	300	70-72-69=211

View full results for Williams Cup

About the Williams Cup

David Ford, North Carolina continue success at Williams Cup

54-hole men's college tournament hosted by the University of North Carolina and created to honor longtime basketball coach Roy Williams. Team (best four scores out of five players each round) and individual competitions.