Rickie Fowler has been the central figure of the Rocket Classic since the tournament was announced in 2018. Now, in what will be the final edition of the event, he enters Sunday's final round at Detroit Golf Club trailing leader Davis Riley by three shots, with a chance to end his PGA Tour career on a high note.
A farewell event since 2019
The Rocket Classic started in 2019 after Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert brought a PGA Tour event to Detroit. Fowler was among the first to support the move, becoming a key ambassador for the tournament. Over the past eight years, he has helped the event grow in both local and national popularity, becoming a major part of Detroit's sporting identity.
One of the most important moments in the event's history came in 2023. That year, Fowler made a crucial birdie on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, then won the tournament with another birdie on the same hole. This ended a three-year winless spell for Fowler and became the last PGA Tour victory of his career.
Fowler's performance in 2023
The 2023 victory marked a turning point for both Fowler and the Rocket Classic. He secured the win in front of the largest and loudest crowd the tournament had ever seen. The playoff featured Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, and Rocket officials were visibly supporting Fowler on site, wearing orange Puma hats. The win became the pinnacle of the event’s eight-year run and a defining moment for the city of Detroit.
Fowler has said the 2023 win "helped solidify" his bond with Detroit fans. Though he didn't grow up in the area and currently resides in Florida, he has earned a loyal following in Michigan. The win helped him become a local icon, and he expressed pride in having played a role in the tournament's legacy.
Final chance for a memorable finish
Fowler played a strong Saturday round, carding a 67 and staying bogey-free after a birdie on the second hole. Despite missing a 26-foot birdie attempt on 18, he ended the day within three shots of Riley. The course has already seen three 61s this week, and the largest final-round comeback to win the Rocket Classic has been three shots, giving Fowler a realistic path to victory.
Fowler acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation. As the event nears its conclusion, he has the chance to create one last unforgettable memory and cap off his connection with the Rocket Classic on a positive note.