The Rocket Classic is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, held annually in the Detroit metropolitan area. The 2026 edition takes place from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August, offering players a valuable opportunity to secure FedExCup points ahead of the PGA Tour Playoffs.
What is the Rocket Classic?
The Rocket Classic (the Rocket Mortgage Classic by full title) is a PGA Tour regular-season event staged in the Detroit area of Michigan. Launched in 2019, the tournament brought top-level professional golf back to the Motor City for the first time in over a decade. It forms part of the FedExCup regular season schedule and typically attracts a competitive field of PGA Tour professionals looking to sharpen their games before the Playoffs begin. Rocket Mortgage, the Detroit-based mortgage lender, serves as the title sponsor.
When is the Rocket Classic 2026?
The 2026 Rocket Classic runs from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August 2026. Practice rounds and the pro-am are held earlier in the week, with the first competitive round on Thursday. The traditional 36-hole cut reduces the field after Friday’s second round, with the final round on Sunday determining the champion.
Where is the Rocket Classic held?
The tournament is played at Detroit Golf Club, a historic private club located in the city of Detroit, Michigan. The course was designed by Donald Ross in 1916 and features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens characteristic of classic Ross designs. At approximately 7,370 yards, it provides a fair but demanding test that rewards accurate driving and precise iron play.
Key Contenders
The Rocket Classic draws a mix of established PGA Tour winners and rising talents seeking to improve their FedExCup standing before the Playoffs. Past champions include Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, and Cam Davis. Players on the bubble for Playoff qualification often bring added intensity to the tournament, producing competitive leaderboards and dramatic finishes on Sunday afternoon.
How to Watch the Rocket Classic
In the United States, the Rocket Classic is broadcast on CBS and Golf Channel, with streaming available through Paramount+ and PGA Tour Live on ESPN+. Featured group coverage and featured hole cameras provide additional viewing options throughout the week. International viewers can access coverage through their local PGA Tour broadcast partners.
History of the Rocket Classic
The Rocket Mortgage Classic debuted in 2019, reviving Detroit’s connection to professional golf. The city had previously hosted the Buick Open at nearby Warwick Hills for decades. Nate Lashley won the inaugural edition in dramatic fashion. The tournament has quickly established itself as a popular stop on the PGA Tour, with the Donald Ross-designed Detroit Golf Club providing a worthy stage. The event also has a strong community impact, with the tournament’s charitable initiatives supporting Detroit-area organisations and youth development programmes.
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Rocket Classic are available through the tournament’s official website. Options include daily grounds passes, weekly badges, and premium hospitality experiences. Junior tickets (for those aged 15 and under) are typically complimentary when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Corporate hospitality suites and skyboxes along the course offer elevated viewing experiences for groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What course hosts the Rocket Classic?
The tournament is played at Detroit Golf Club, a Donald Ross-designed course in Detroit, Michigan, that has been the event’s home since its inception in 2019.
Is the Rocket Classic part of the FedExCup?
Yes, the Rocket Classic is a FedExCup regular-season event. It is one of the final tournaments before the FedExCup Playoffs begin, making it an important week for players seeking to qualify or improve their seeding.
Can children attend the Rocket Classic?
Yes, the tournament is family-friendly. Junior tickets for those aged 15 and under are typically available free of charge with an accompanying adult, and there are often family-oriented areas and activities on the grounds.
What is the par and yardage of Detroit Golf Club?
Detroit Golf Club plays as a par 72 at approximately 7,370 yards for the tournament. The Donald Ross design features classic bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and greens that reward skilful approach play.
]]>