Detroit bids farewell to its PGA Tour golf event
The Rocket Classic will play its final round in 2027, bringing to a close the PGA Tour's long-standing presence in the city of Detroit. Rocket Companies, the Detroit-based mortgage lender owned by billionaire Dan Gilbert, has opted not to renew its title sponsorship for the event. This decision ends the first and only PGA Tour golf tournament to be held within Detroit's city limits. Rickie Fowler, who has competed in every edition of the Rocket Classic, also served as a longtime pitchman for Rocket and its predecessor, Quicken Loans.
A major renovation of the Detroit Golf Club has been completed in anticipation of the final event. The course, which will host the last Rocket Classic, has undergone a $16.1-million transformation. Features include expanded greens, new bunkers, fescue planting, and the restoration of cross-ditches. These changes have enhanced the course's challenge and visual appeal. Club members approved the project in 2024 with the hope of continuing to host the event in the future, making the final tournament bittersweet for the grounds crew.
World-class field and player sentiments
The final Rocket Classic is drawing an impressive lineup of top-tier golfers. Four players ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking are competing, along with eight others in the top 20. World No. 3 Cameron Young, who has competed in the event regularly, has expressed appreciation for the course's role in his career. He has two top-10 finishes at the event, including a second-place tie in 2022. Young has been a regular participant and is excited about the course's new look.
The greens at the Detroit Golf Club now average 6,700 square feet, a significant increase from the previous 5,400 square feet. Players have praised the course's improved aesthetics and challenge. Cameron Young, who has a strong track record at the event, remarked, 'I have good memories here.' The changes are part of a broader effort to maintain the course's high standards for future events.
Tony Finau, the tournament's 2022 champion, expressed deep disappointment over the decision to discontinue the event. 'I'm extremely sad ... to not have a tournament back in the 313,' he said. The PGA Tour has already announced a replacement event in 2027, which will be held at Silverado Resort in Napa, California, and sponsored by insurance company Sompo. This new tournament will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2027.
Looking ahead and uncertain times
The new event in Napa will remain on the PGA Tour's schedule for 2028 as part of the Championship Series under Brian Rolapp's two-tier scheduling model. However, the tournament's location for 2028 is yet to be determined. Rocket Companies has not entirely closed the door on a potential return, but it will not happen in 2027. Nic Barlage, CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group, described the move as 'a bit of a pause,' suggesting the possibility of future collaboration.
For now, the focus remains on the final Rocket Classic, set to be contested this week. Sam Moynihan, the director of agronomy at the Detroit Golf Club, emphasized the pride his staff takes in hosting the tournament. 'Being able to present a golf course to the nation and highlight Detroit Golf Club on a national stage' is a major source of pride for the grounds crew. The final event will be a chance to showcase the club's recent renovations and the city's rich golfing history.