Rocket Mortgage Classic Brings PGA To Detroit For First Time
The field includes some past and current major champions. For spectators, courtesy is the word.
Some of the world’s top golfers are in Detroit for the Rocket Mortgage Classic. It’s the first PGA Tour event ever held within the city, hosted by the 120-year-old Detroit Golf Club. While it is a new event, it’s also a re-branding of prior tournament sponsored by one of Dan Gilbert’s other companies. It replaces the Quicken Loans National, which had been held in the Washington, D.C. area since 2014.
Tournament Director Rob Croll says 156 pro golfers are scheduled to participate in the four-day tournament.
“If you are golf fanatic, you ‘re going to get to see some of the best golf on the planet in Detroit.” — Rob Croll
Who’s Who?
The list of players includes the 2019 U.S. Open champion, Gary Woodland, and 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed. Dustin Johnson enters the field as the 2nd-ranked male golfer in the world behind Brooks Koepka, who will not be there. Neither will 2019 Masters champion Tiger Woods, nor 2018 Quicken Loans National winner Francesco Molinari. Other top names who are scheduled to play include:
- Ernie Els
- Rickie Fowler
- Billy Horschel
- Charles Howell III
- Kevin Kisner
- Bubba Watson
“Get in the hole!”
If you’ve never been to a PGA Tour event before, you need to know a little golf etiquette. The first rule is also the most obvious one.
“When players are hitting, you need to be quiet,” Croll says. There will be “hole marshals” throughout the course with signs to remind spectators of this.
“It’s OK to cheer after a shot, but not when golfers are in their back swing,” he adds. Cell phones are OK, but they should be in silent mode. You can also use them as cameras, but no large professional photography equipment is allowed.
You may also want to dress for warm, humid, sunny weather. The National Weather Service forecasts highs near 90 on Friday and Saturday, with a chance of thunderstorms both days.
Click on the audio player to hear the conversation with WDET’s Pat Batcheller.
WHAT: The Rocket Mortgage Classic
WHEN: June 27-30, 2019
WHERE: Detroit Golf Club
WHO: 156 professional golfers
