Ryan Gerard offered home-buying advice to David Ford before the World Wide Technology Championship, sharing his own homeowner struggles before Ford chose to move

Regarding the major life decision of purchasing a house, Ryan Gerard provided advice to David Ford.

Ford and Gerard are competing for the same trophy at the World Wide Technology Championship at El Cardonal Golf Course. Gerard and Ford were both in contention for the lead during Sunday's round, as was Ben James, who was chasing his first-ever PGA Tour title.

Gerard may have opened up about his struggles on the PGA Tour this year, but he does have experience as a homeowner. As a result, he offered advice to North Carolina product Ford regarding a house purchase, with his golf rival also struggling on the course.

Ford made four of 13 cuts during the 2025 PGA Tour season, accumulating just $319,398. Last year at the RSM Classic, Ford's final event of his 2025 calendar, Ford was considering buying a house, but Gerard tried to steer him in a different direction.

“He was like, D Ford, just give it a year, just wait and see what happens,” Ford said.

“It really meant a lot because I was kind of stressed about that decision, but he took time and just sat down with me and gave me good advice. I think the world of Gerard, I think he's super savvy and resourceful outside of golf as well, so just leaning on him for advice like that was fun.”

Gerard said the advice went in one ear and out the other.

“I think he might have not taken my advice because I believe he's closing on a house or just closed on a house,” said Gerard.

Sharing his own home-buying experience, Gerard reminded Ford that homeownership isn’t all smooth sailing.

“I kind of just rammed through, you know, my home-buying experience and how in the first three weeks I had to replace the air conditioning and call a plumber multiple times,” said Gerard.

“So it isn't all sunshine and daisies. Just kind of talked to him about financing a little bit, make sure if you feel comfortable with this, if you feel comfortable with that. I think he chose something that was really comfortable for him at the time, which was renting a spot with some of his friends."

But the renting is over, as Ford’s family is buying a house and moving to a state a few hours from Atlanta.

“I'm excited for him,” said Gerard. “He's going to be in a good spot, but kid's got all the game in the world; he'll be just fine with or without my house-buying advice.”

The house excitement comes after Ford had a nearly five-month break on the PGA Tour in the middle of the season, as his next event after the Valero Texas Open was the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, nearly five months later.

“I'm sure it was really difficult for him just because he's the kind of kid that just loves to practice, loves to play,” said Gerard. “I've been around him for such a long time.

"You know, when I was a senior, he was a freshman. Just kind of the kid that came in, pushed me to be better as I was going out the door. I've seen him put a lot of dedication into this.”