ROCKET CLASSIC – FINAL ROUND NOTES

Final Leaderboard

Michael Thorbjornsen (1^st/-18)

• Earns first PGA TOUR victory in 65th career start at the age 24 years, 10 months, 17 days
• Previous best finishes on TOUR: T2 (2024 John Deere Classic, 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship)
• Becomes the eighth first-time winner on TOUR this season
• Becomes the fourth first-time winner in tournament history (Nate Lashley/2019, Cam Davis/2021, Aldrich Potgieter/2025)
• First time this season two players 24-years-old or younger have won on TOUR in back-to-back weeks (Jackson Koivun/3M Open/21 years, 2 months, 3 days)
• Entered the final round four strokes back and cards a bogey-free 63 to claim a two-stroke victory
• Records largest final-round come-from-behind win in tournament history (previous: 3/Bryson DeChambeau/2020)
• 262 matches the 72-hole tournament scoring record (Tony Finau/2022)
• Victory marks second top-10 in four starts at the Rocket Classic (T4/2025, Won/2026)
• Earns 500 FedExCup points and moves from No. 69 to No. 38 in the FedExCup standings
• Win marks third top-10 in 20 starts this season (T3/WM Phoenix Open, T7/Genesis Scottish Open)

Additional notes

• Making his Rocket Classic debut, 10-time PGA TOUR winner Xander Schauffele (2^nd/-16) records 16th runner-up finish and first since the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship (T2); moves from No. 15 to No. 11 in FedExCup standings
• 54-hole leader Davis Riley(3^rd/-15) records his best finish since the 2025 PGA Championship (T2) and second top-10 of the season (T6/Sony Open in Hawaii)
• With rounds of 69-68-61-68, five-time winner on the DP World Tour Rasmus Højgaard (4^th/-14) finishes solo-fourth in bid to become the first player from Denmark to win on the PGA TOUR; earns second top-10 of the season (T9/Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches)

The post Michael Thorbjornsen Wins 2026 Rocket Classic appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Important spectator information for the 2026 Rocket Classic

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Monday, July 27: Tournament grounds closed to fans

Tuesday, July 28: Tournament grounds closed to fans

Par 3 in the D – 7 p.m. in Downtown Detroit atop Bedrock’s historic five-story Traver | UBS building at 1217 Woodward Avenue

Watch party taking place in Campus Martius Park from 7-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 29: Gates open at 6:45 a.m.

Detroit Community Day

Complimentary admission for all fans. Complimentary parking & shuttles for fans at University of Detroit Mercy – McNichols Campus (4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221)

Delta Dental Pro-Am – Starting at 6:45 a.m. (approximately)

The Rocket Dream Nine, a first-of-its-kind PGA TOUR activation featuring a nine-hole immersive mini golf course spread across three activation sites throughout the course located around No. 2 green, No. 5 tee and No. 11 green.

First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Clinic Presented by United Dairy Industry of Michigan – 4-5:30 p.m. at DGC member driving range

Thursday, July 30: Gates open at 6:45 a.m.

Tournament Round 1 – Starting at approximately 7 a.m.

Bow Tie Day

The Range Presented by Bedrock – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Rocket Dream Nine

Friday, July 31: Gates open at 6:45 a.m.

Tournament Round 2 – Starting at approximately 7 a.m.

The Range Presented by Bedrock – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Rocket Dream Nine

Saturday, August 1: Gates open at 7:15 a.m.

Tournament Round 3 – Starting at approximately 7:35 a.m.

The Range Presented by Bedrock – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Rocket Dream Nine

Sunday, August 2: Gates open at 7:15 a.m.

Tournament Round 4 – Starting at approximately 7:35 a.m.

The Range Presented by Bedrock – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Rocket Dream Nine

PARKING & RIDESHARE: 

All parking passes are digital and must be purchased in advance at www.RocketClassic.com.

Wednesday, July 29: Complimentary parking

University of Detroit Mercy – McNichols Campus (4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221).

Thursday, July 30-Sunday, August 2: Paid parking

Lawrence Technological University (21000 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075)

Oakland Mall (637 John R. Road, Troy, MI 48083)

ADA parking (Wednesday, July 29-Sunday, August 2)

University of Detroit Mercy – McNichols Campus (4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit)

Rideshare dropoff and pickup:

Palmer Park Community Building (1121 Merrill Plaisance Street, Detroit, MI 48203).

Accessible through Merrill Plaisance Street from Woodward Avenue. No access from 7 Mile Rd.

TOURNAMENT BAG POLICY:

Approved bags include:

• Bags smaller than 6” by 6” by 6”
• Clear bags smaller than 12″ by 6″ by 12″
• One-gallon plastic bags
• Medically necessary and diaper bags (Infant and medical supplies will be permitted after proper inspection).

Non-approved bags include:

• Backpacks
• Camera cases
• Clear backpacks
• Seat cushions
• Tinted plastic bags
• Mesh bags
• Purses
• Over-sized tote bag
• Binoculars cases
• Printed-pattern plastic bags
• Folding chair bags (folding chairs are allowed)

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• No bags larger than a small purse 6”x6” including carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, or chair bags
• No clear plastic, vinyl, or other carry items larger than 12”x6”x12”
• No glass cups or bottles of any kind except for medical or infant needs
• No memorabilia including pin flags, photos, trading cards, balls, and other sports paraphernalia
• No computers or laptops
• No fireworks or laser pointers
• No lounge or over-sized chairs with extended footrests
• No seat cushions in a carrying case or that have pockets or compartments
• No pets, except for service animals
• No knives, firearms, or weapons of any nature
• No video cameras
• No point and shoot, film, or DSLR cameras (During Competition Rounds)
• No selfie sticks or hand-held camera stabilizers
• No beverages (patrons may not bring in or exit with beverages) or coolers
• No radios, TVs, or portable speakers
• No posters, signs, or banners
• No motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, bicycles (whether or not motor-driven), skateboards, hoverboards, or other similar devices will be permitted to be operated on or within tournament property. Segways, motorized scooters, or other personal transportation devices are prohibited if not used as a mobility aid by individuals with mobility impairment.
• No drones, Remote Controlled Model Aircrafts, or other devices that can be operated in airspace will be permitted to be operated at PGA TOUR events during tournament week.

The post 2026 Rocket Classic Schedule of Events appeared first on In Play! magazine.

The player field for the 2026 Rocket Classic is only getting stronger, as 2025 U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun and eight-time PGA TOUR winner Patrick Cantlay have committed to play in the event.

Spaun’s victory at last year’s U.S. Open was his second PGA victory, and he added a third this year at the Valero Texas Open. He is 13th in the Official World Golf Ranking, with four top-10 finishes in 2026. This year will mark his seventh appearance at the Rocket Classic, where he has finished 13th or better three times.

Cantlay is ranked 38th in the world on the strength of eight top-25 finishes in 15 events this season. He has played the Rocket Classic twice and tied for second in 2022.

• Previously announced commitments include:
  Cameron Young – World No. 4
• Russell Henley – World No. 5
• Wyndham Clark – World No. 8; 2023 and 2026 U.S. Open champion
• Xander Schauffele – World No. 14; Two-time major champion
• Sam Burns – World No. 18; Five-time PGA TOUR winner; Two-time member of the U.S. team in both the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup; Making his third appearance in the Rocket Classic.
• Si Woo Kim – World No. 21
• Akshay Bhatia – World No. 29; Three-time PGA TOUR winner, including the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard; Finished T2 at the 2024 Rocket Classic.
• Hideki Matsuyama – World No. 31; 2021 Masters champion
• Keegan Bradley – World No. 41; 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain
• Rickie Fowler – World No. 42; 2023 Rocket Classic champion
• Sungjae Im – World No. 86; Two-time PGA TOUR winner; Three-time member of the International team at the Presidents Cup; 2020 Olympian; Three top-25 finishes at the Rocket Classic, including a T8 in 2021.
• Brooks Koepka – Five-time major championship winner; Nine-time PGA TOUR winner
• Tony Finau – 2022 Rocket Classic champion
• Aldrich Potgieter – Defending Rocket Classic champion
• Cameron Davis – Two-time Rocket Classic winner (2021 and 2024).
• Ricky Castillo – 2026 Puerto Rico Open winner
• Nico Echavarria – 2026 Cognizant Classic in The Pallm Beaches winner
• Brandt Snedeker – 2026 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic winner

The Rocket Classic will return to Detroit Golf Club for its eighth consecutive year, July 30 – August 2, bringing the PGA TOUR’s top players back to Detroit.

The post J.J. Spaun and Patrick Cantlay Commit to Rocket Classic appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Detroit-area golf fans will experience the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi like never before when the PGA TOUR returns to Detroit Golf Club July 30–August 2. Throughout the week, tournament partners will offer a variety of interactive activations and entertainment for fans of all ages.

New Fan Experiences

This year, the Rocket Classic will debut the Rocket Dream Nine, a first-of-its-kind PGA TOUR activation featuring a nine-hole immersive mini golf course spread across three activation sites throughout the course. Each site will celebrate and bring to life different motifs that represent and showcase Detroit through the built environment and experience – design, music and food. These fan zones are located around No. 2 green, No. 5 tee and No. 11 green on the restored Detroit Golf Club course.

The Range Presented by Bedrock is a new fan destination designed for relaxation, entertainment and socializing throughout tournament week. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., fans can unwind in a large, covered lounge tent with seating, enjoy full bar service, take in the action from Adirondack chair viewing areas, visit the cigar lounge and test their skills in a hole-in-one challenge. The Range will also feature family-friendly entertainment, including caricature artists and face painters, while the Motown Museum Music Stage will showcase live performances by Hitsville NEXT and other local artists between 4–7 p.m. each day, Thursday through Saturday, following tournament play.

Food and Drink

Food and beverage offerings throughout Detroit Golf Club will feature something for every fan. Concession stands will continue the tradition of honoring recent Rocket Classic champions with a signature menu item inspired by the tournament’s defending champion. This year, fans can order the A.P. Gatsby Sandwich, named in honor of 2025 winner Aldrich Potgieter. The sandwich features seasoned ribeye, mozzarella, crispy french fries, fresh vegetables and house-made peri-peri aioli served on a toasted brioche hoagie.

Fans can also head to The Grove, located near holes 10 and 11, which will feature Detroit’s own Smokey G’s Smokehouse serving its most popular menu items, along with an AlumniFi putting green. Fans can earn points to redeem for prizes in the AlumniFi Zone, compete for Greyson Clothiers gift cards and visit the DTE Energy activation, featuring EV charging demonstrations, games and prizes.

Guests 21 and older can also visit the Espresso Martini Lounge near the ninth green for signature espresso martinis and live entertainment during tournament week, or enjoy the Classic Caddie, a signature cocktail served in a collectible souvenir cup featuring Maestro Dobel Silver Tequila, raspberry syrup, Simply Pineapple juice and a lime garnish. During Rocket Classic Power Hour, fans ages 21 and older can celebrate Detroit’s 313 spirit with $3.13 off alcoholic beverages at all public concession stands.

Families are covered, too. Kids ages 15 and under will receive a complimentary meal voucher, courtesy of United Dairy of Michigan, redeemable at concession stands throughout the course.

More to Explore

Beyond the tournament’s featured fan destinations, there will be even more to discover at Detroit Golf Club. Charity Row will welcome philanthropic partners Black Tech Saturdays; Human-I-T; First Tee – Greater Detroit; College, Career & Beyond | Midnight Golf; Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) and People for Palmer Park – giving fans the opportunity to learn more about each organization’s mission while enjoying daily giveaways.

Fans looking to test their own game can stop by the Long Game Lounge presented by Plante Moran Wealth Management, located near the 1899 Heritage Club on the right side of the 10th fairway and behind the 14th green, to play a simulated version of Detroit Golf Club and compare their performance to the PGA TOUR stars competing that week.

The Rocket Classic Merchandise Tent will also feature new apparel vendors, including adidas, lululemon, Good Good Golf and Detroit-based brands Kiwiclo, Kiloh & Co. and Del Campo Socks.

Theme Days

Wednesday, July 29 is Detroit Community Day. All fans can take advantage of complimentary parking and admission to watch the Delta Dental Pro-Am throughout the day and enjoy the First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Clinic Presented by United Dairy Industry of Michigan from 4-5:30 p.m. Kids can meet, greet and take photos with PGA TOUR professionals, learn golf fundamentals and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments.

Thursday, July 30 is the first round of the Rocket Classic and has been designated as Bow Tie Day, created to honor the memory of Nick Gilbert, son of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, to spread awareness about neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways throughout the body. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common form of the disease, affecting approximately one in every 2,500 births.

In 2011, Nick represented the Dan Gilbert-owned Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Draft Lottery wearing his signature bow tie, beginning a four-year span that saw the team win the No. 1 draft pick three times. Since then, the Bow Tie has become a symbol associated with Nick’s passion, optimism, and love for life.

Fan Amenities

To help fans stay cool and comfortable all week long, Rocket will offer a variety of on-course amenities. Rocket Cool Zones featuring fans and water misters will be located near the 9th and 17th greens, as well as between the 11th and 13th greens. Complimentary Rocket Water Stations will also be available near the 9th, 16th and 18th greens, making it easy for fans to refill reusable water bottles.

Many of these areas are prime locations to watch the most exciting golf action. With the expansion of additional areas around the 18th green for grounds pass holders to watch players coming down the stretch, there are more prime sightlines across the golf course than ever before.

From interactive fan activations and live entertainment to signature food and beverage offerings and family-friendly amenities, the Rocket Classic is designed to deliver an unforgettable experience. For more information on the Rocket Classic and to purchase tickets, visit rocketclassic.com.

The Rocket Classic made history in 2019 as the first PGA TOUR event ever held in the city of Detroit and has continued to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and its residents through its multi-year “Changing the Course” campaign, established in 2020 to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure digital accessibility for all city residents. The Rocket Classic was the most awarded event during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, being recognized for “Best Special Event” (then known as the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge) and “Best Tournament Sales” as well as being honored with the first “Fair Way Award” for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Fair Way Award was bestowed upon the Rocket Classic again in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 the tournament also received the Best Volunteer Program award. More information is available at RocketClassic.com and on Facebook, X and Instagram (@RocketClassic).

The post Rocket Classic Fan-Friendly Experiences and Giveaways appeared first on In Play! magazine.

The Rocket Classic has announced “Par 3 in the D,” a first-of-its-kind rooftop golf challenge taking place July 28 in downtown Detroit. The event will feature six PGA TOUR players hitting shots from atop Bedrock’s historic five-story Traver | UBS building at 1217 Woodward Avenue, sending golf balls through the Hudson’s Detroit corridor, across Nick Gilbert Way and onto a custom-built green below. Local contracting firm Rhino Recreational Construction has been instrumental in bringing the ambitious concept to life.

Presented by Rocket, Par 3 in the D will feature PGA TOUR stars Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Russell Henley, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young. Competing from a rooftop tee box, each player will have three attempts to land an approximately 100-yard shot on a 40-by-40-foot green positioned at the far end of the plaza. With an elevation drop of 50 to 60 feet, players will need to navigate a challenging shot over Woodward Avenue and through the corridor along Nick Gilbert Way in hopes of claiming the title.  

“When we say we’re putting six PGA TOUR players on a rooftop in downtown Detroit and asking them to hit shots over Woodward Avenue, the first reaction is usually, ‘You’re doing what?’” said Mark Hollis, Rocket Classic Tournament Director. “Nothing like this exists anywhere else on the PGA TOUR schedule, and it’s another way we’re bringing golf directly into the city and creating memorable experiences for fans.”

In addition to showcasing the creativity and excitement of tournament week, Par 3 in the D will support Detroit-focused causes. Details on the event’s community impact will be announced in the coming weeks.

While Par 3 in the D will bring a unique new experience to downtown Detroit, fans can also look forward to a strong field at Detroit Golf Club. The Rocket Classic has announced commitments from World No. 14 Aaron Rai, No. 18 Si Woo Kim and No. 24 Hideki Matsuyama.

Rai captured his second PGA TOUR victory and first major championship last month at the 2026 PGA Championship, finishing at nine-under-par 271. A dramatic 69-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole at Aronimink Golf Club helped seal the victory moments before he hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy. He has enjoyed success at the Rocket Classic, recording top-10 finishes in both of his appearances at Detroit Golf Club, including a T9 in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.

The youngest player ever to win THE PLAYERS Championship, Kim captured the title in 2017 at just 21 years old and has since added three more PGA TOUR victories to his resume. He has enjoyed a strong 2026 season, recording two runner-up finishes and eight top-10s while earning more than $6.5 million. This summer will mark his sixth appearance at the Rocket Classic, where he has made the cut in four of five starts and posted a career-best finish of T14 in 2022.

Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, has amassed 11 PGA TOUR victories and more than $65 million in career earnings. Those accomplishments make him the most successful Japanese player in PGA TOUR history. The 2026 Rocket Classic will mark his sixth appearance at Detroit Golf Club, where he recorded career-best finishes of T13 in both 2019 and 2025.

The Rocket Classic field will also feature several winners from the 2026 PGA TOUR season, including newly committed players Ricky Castillo (Puerto Rico Open), Nico Echavarria (Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches) and Brandt Snedeker (ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic). They join previously announced champions Russell Henley (Charles Schwab Challenge) and Cameron Young (THE PLAYERS Championship, Cadillac Championship).

Castillo enters the Rocket Classic ranked No. 93 in the world and sits 58th in the FedExCup standings following his breakthrough victory at the Puerto Rico Open and another top-10 finish this season. He made his Rocket Classic debut in 2025.

Currently ranked No. 52 in the world, Echavarria has captured three PGA TOUR victories since earning his first win in 2023. He has made the cut in two of his three appearances at the Rocket Classic, highlighted by a career-best T6 finish in 2025.

Snedeker, a 10-time PGA TOUR winner, returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2018 with a victory at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May. He finished at 18-under par, including a five-under-par final round, to claim a one-stroke win. At the Rocket Classic, his best finish came at the inaugural tournament in 2019, where he placed T5.

Four top-10 finishes this season have helped elevate Nicolai Højgaard to No. 33 in the world rankings. He will make his fourth Rocket Classic appearance this summer and has recorded two top-25 finishes at Detroit Golf Club. His identical twin brother, Rasmus Højgaard, also returns to the field after making his Rocket Classic debut last year. Together, the brothers led Denmark to victory at the 2018 World Amateur Team Championship and captured the Eisenhower Trophy.

Defending champion Aldrich Potgieter has also committed to return to Detroit Golf Club. Ranked No. 73 in the world, Potgieter will make his third Rocket Classic appearance after completing one of the tournament’s most remarkable turnarounds – missing the cut in 2024 before winning the title in 2025. His winning score of 22-under par represented a 24-stroke improvement from his debut performance at the Rocket Classic.

 For more information on the Rocket Classic and to purchase tickets, visit the Rocket Classsic website.

The post Rocket Classic “Par 3 in the D” Rooftop Challenge appeared first on In Play! magazine.