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Final Rocket Classic in Detroit Tests Field After $16 Million Course Overhaul

The tournament matters because a tougher restored North Course reshapes scoring as players vie for FedEx Cup spots late in the regular season.

Overview

  • The Rocket Classic tees off Thursday, July 30, and 2026 will be Detroit’s last edition under Rocket Companies’ title sponsorship after the company declined to renew.
  • Detroit Golf Club completed a roughly $16 million restoration of the North Course that converts the layout to a par 70 at about 7,328 yards and lengthens former easy holes into long par 4s to make the course more demanding.
  • The field for the final Rocket Classic is deep and late-season consequential, with a $10 million purse (about $1.8 million to the winner) and many top-50 players using the week to secure FedEx Cup positioning.
  • Organizers have pushed city-facing events to broaden engagement, staging the downtown 'Par 3 in the D' rooftop challenge on July 28 featuring six Tour players aiming at a custom green.
  • Jason Day withdrew before the week because of a persistent back injury, tournament directors say Rocket’s withdrawal reflects concerns about date and field certainty rather than only cost, and the event has invested more than $10 million into Detroit charities including digital-access programs.