The PGA TOUR makes its first stop in Michigan after a decade as the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club’s North course appears on the elite schedule for the first time.
The Buick Open ended a 33-year run at Warwick Hills G&CC outside Flint in 2009, which left a gaping hole in Michigan’s golf picture. That changes on Thursday as newly crowned US Open champion Gary Woodland arrives along with 11 of the top 30 in the current FedExCup standings.
It is Woodland’s first start since his Pebble Beach win on a course that opened in 1916 and recently underwent an upgrade to get ready for the TOUR’s arrival. The club itself dates back to 1899, when William Ferrand and a handful of close friends acquired property on the city’s north side.
Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler also headline the field with former Masters winners Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed in tow. It’ll also be a showcase for fresh talent, as US.Amateur titleholder Viktor Hovland and NCAA champion Matthew Wolff tee it up.
Xander Schauffele, who tied for third behind Woodland at Pebble Beach, helps give the lineup added star power as does Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who’s last win was at the 2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at nearby Akron.
Ernie Els and Dylan Frittelli are the only South Africans on duty this week.
The Big Easy has four missed cuts and a withdrawal in his last five outings while Frittelli sat out the weekend at the Travelers Championship.
A fresh venue could be just what the doctor ordered.
