Detroit, MI – This week the PGA Tour makes its first ever stop in the City of Detroit for the Inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. Nestled in the west side Detroit neighborhood of Palmer Park, the Donald Ross designed course has a rich history spanning 120 years.
Some of golf’s biggest names are in town to compete for $1,314,000, like Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland, Chez Reavie and Rocket Mortgage ambassador Rickie Fowler. A total of 156 golfers started Round 1 play on Thursday with tee times of 6:45 am & 12:55 pm. It turned out to be a rough start for Johnson and Woodland as they would finish the day outside of the top 100.
Surprisingly the last golfer in the 156 man field Nick Lashley ended up being the leader at the end of round one with a 63 (-9). When asked what the best part of his game was Lashley stated, “I hit really well on the back nine. But 9 under, you’re kind of doing everything well. Just hopefully can continue through the week.”
Lashley 130 (-14) would maintain his lead through Friday’s second round. The biggest news of round two would have to be the lowest 36 hole cut in relation to par since the RSM Classic in 2016……a 5-under. Missing that cut were most of the headliners and fan favorites Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Gary Woodland and Chez Reavie. Saturday and Sundays rounds have been sold out for weeks with fans hoping to cheer on their favorite golf stars. It will be interesting to see the crowds going into Sunday’s final round and missing most of the top stars. Honestly, I don’t think it will matter because the fans here are happy to have the PGA in town!
As of 12 noon EST on Saturday Lashley (-14), Champ (-13) and Howell III (-12) are your current leaders and are set to tee off at 2:00 pm EST.
