By Bilal Ahmed
The PGA Tour is in Detroit for the Rocket Classic, with the regular season approaching its conclusion. This event is one of two remaining before the start of the playoffs, where players aim to secure enough FedEx Cup points to qualify for the top 70 and earn a spot in the St. Jude Classic.
The tournament is being held at Detroit Golf Club. Aldrich Potgieter is the defending champion, having won the event last year after a three-man playoff.
Players to watch in Detroit
Several notable players are participating in the Rocket Classic. Wyndham Clark, who secured two wins this year, including the U.S. Open last month at Shinnecock, will be looking to refine his game ahead of the playoffs. He recently missed the cut at the British Open.
Chris Gotterup is having a strong season with three victories, most recently at the John Deere Classic. He followed this with a T11 finish at the Scottish Open and a T18 at the British Open. Cameron Young, who won the Players Championship in March, nearly forced a playoff at the British Open but ultimately lost by a stroke to Ryan Fox.
Jackson Koivun, the 21-year-old who recently achieved his first career win at the 3M Open by beating Scottie Scheffler by three strokes, is also competing. Xander Schauffele has had a consistent season, making the cut at all four majors, with his best finish being a T7 at the PGA Championship. He finished T9 at the Masters, T11 at the U.S. Open, and T18 at the British Open.
Brooks Koepka, currently 84th in the FedEx Cup standings, needs strong performances in these final events to reach the St. Jude Championship in Memphis. He has missed the cut five times this year and finished T28 at the British Open. Rickie Fowler, who is 32nd in the FedEx Cup standings, will be in the playoffs this year. The Rocket Classic holds significance for him as it was the site of his last win in 2023.
Jordan Spieth, at 55th in the FedEx Cup standings, is aiming to remain in the top 70. His recent performances include two missed cuts and finishes of T56, T66, and T58. Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, is comfortably positioned for the FedEx Cup playoffs, coming off a T3 finish at the 3M Open and having not missed a cut all season. Russell Henley, ranked fifth in the world, won the Charles Schwab Challenge in May and finished T9 at the British Open.
Tournament coverage and equipment insights
Greg Moore, a Tour Photographer, is on site in Detroit to capture the action at the Rocket Classic. His coverage includes general albums and “What’s in the Bag” (WITB) features, offering a look at players’ equipment.
Recent equipment insights have included a fresh WITB for U.S. Open runner-up Sam Burns. Other recent tournaments covered by photographers include the 2026 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota, the 78th USGA Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the ISCO Championship at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 3M Open coverage featured in-hand looks at Srixon’s new ZXi irons, along with various WITBs from players such as Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover, and Peter Malnati. Pullout albums from the 3M Open included items like TaylorMade’s new P-UDI Bomber 1 iron and custom putters from brands like Bettinardi and Cameron, used by players such as Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler.
The USGA Junior Amateur also featured WITB albums for players like Jesse Linden and Abdul Moez. The ISCO Championship provided additional WITB and custom putter views, including those of Tyler Collet and Jens Dantorp.
The Rocket Classic marks a crucial point in the PGA Tour season as players vie for playoff positions.
One-and-Done picks for the Rocket Classic
For those participating in One-and-Done (OAD) pools, where players select a golfer each week and can only use a player once, several golfers are being considered for the Rocket Classic. Cameron Young is highlighted as a strong contender, especially after his runner-up finish at the Open Championship, where he showed strong ball-striking performance.
Jake Knapp is another player to consider, having finished T-13th at the 3M Open with a strong Sunday round. His ball-striking has been consistent, ranking fifth in SG: BS over his last eight rounds, though his putting has been a challenge. J.J. Spaun, the 2025 U.S. Open winner, has a history of top-10 finishes in Detroit and has demonstrated strong approach play and ball-striking over the past few months.
Source: golfwrx.com
