With the FedExCup Playoffs and Presidents Cup on the horizon, the PGA TOUR returns this week to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
This tournament features numerous star players alongside promising young talents, including recent college and high school standouts.
Rickie Fowler, who ended his win drought with a thrilling playoff victory last year, is back to defend his title. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Field Notes:
- Rickie Fowler returns to defend his title, aiming to be the first back-to-back winner in the event’s history.
- Cameron Young, who shot a 59 at the Travelers Championship, returns to Detroit after finishing second in 2022.
- Michael Thorbjornsen makes his second professional start after finishing 39th at the Travelers. He recently topped the PGA TOUR University rankings.
- Tom Kim, runner-up at the Travelers, is back after missing the cut last year but finishing seventh the year before. He has two top-10 finishes in his last four starts.
- Will Zalatoris will compete, having made the cut in his previous two starts here. He’s recovering well after back surgery, making 11 of 15 cuts this season.
- Min Woo Lee is debuting at Detroit Golf Club, with 11 cuts made out of 12 this season, and a recent 21st place at the U.S. Open.
- Other notable participants include Jake Knapp, Nick Dunlap, Akshay Bhatia, Stephan Jaeger, and Taylor Pendrith.
Top-Ranked Players in the Field:
| World Ranking | FedExCup |
|---|---|
| 16. Tom Kim | 15. Akshay Bhatia |
| 23. Cameron Young | 22. Chris Kirk |
| 29. Akshay Bhatia | 23. Stephan Jaeger |
| 33. Chris Kirk | 30. Taylor Pendrith |
| 36. Min Woo Lee | 34. Cameron Young |
| 41. Stephan Jaeger | 37. Robert MacIntyre |
| 42. Will Zalatoris | 38. Will Zalatoris |
| 44. Robert MacIntyre | 39. Tom Kim |
| 45. Nicolai Højgaard | 45. Jake Knapp |
| 50. Rickie Fowler | 46. Alex Noren |
Sponsor Exemptions:
- Miles Russell, 15, the youngest golfer to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, will make his PGA TOUR debut.
- Jackson Koivun, who swept college golf’s top awards, makes his second PGA TOUR start.
- Neal Shipley and Luke Clanton, both top amateur talents, are also in the field.
- Ben James, a standout at the University of Virginia, and Willie Mack III, winner of the John Shippen Invitational, will compete.
- Veterans Jason Dufner and Jimmy Walker have received sponsor invites.
Signature Event Storylines:
- The Travelers Championship was the final Signature Event of the season.
- This season’s Signature Event winners include Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Hideki Matsuyama among others.
- Scottie Scheffler remains dominant, leading the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10 after his sixth win of the season.
FEDEXCUP Points: Winner receives 500 FedExCup points.
Course:
- Detroit Golf Club (North Course), par 72, 7,370 yards. The Donald Ross design dates to 1906 and will undergo renovations starting next year.
- 72-Hole Record: 262, Tony Finau (2022)
- 18-Hole Record: 63, shared by multiple players.
Last Year’s Highlights: Rickie Fowler ended a four-year title drought with a playoff victory over Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa. Fowler clinched the win with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
How to Follow:
- Television:
- Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
- Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. ET (CBS)
