The PGA Tour rolls into Detroit this week for the 2025 Rocket Classic, and while the field may not have quite the firepower of recent events, the storylines more than make up for it. From high-stakes prize money to unexpected roster changes and rising names on the scene, the Motor City is gearing up for a week of drama at Detroit Golf Club.
With a $9.6 million purse and a tidy $1.728 million winner’s check-up for grabs, there’s no shortage of motivation. The 7,370-yard, par-72 layout isn’t the longest test on Tour, but it’s earned a reputation for rewarding aggressive ball-striking and punishing anything less than sharp iron play.
Cam Davis Returns as the Man to Beat
One of the few constants this week? Cam Davis. The two-time Rocket Classic champ returns to defend his crown and could become the tournament’s first-ever three-time winner. He’s quietly built a strong track record in Detroit, and with the field a bit thinned out, he’ll be among the clear favorites.
Davis’ combination of steady ball control and sneaky distance has made him a force on this layout. And coming off a solid summer stretch, he enters with confidence and course familiarity that should translate to another strong week.
Bradley’s Surge and the Ryder Cup Ripple
Fresh off a heart-pounding win at the Travelers Championship, Keegan Bradley has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points in golf again. His one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood boosted him to world No. 7 and reignited speculation about his dual role as a potential Ryder Cup captain and player.
While Bradley won’t be in Detroit this week, his performance continues to ripple through the Tour. His rise highlights the volatility of the rankings and underscores how quickly a good week—or a single putt—can alter the narrative in a Ryder Cup year.
Who’s Out—and Who’s In
The field took a few unexpected hits ahead of tee-off. Eric Cole, Kevin Yu, Tim Widing, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout have all withdrawn, leaving the door open for a wave of fresh faces and fringe hopefuls.
Among the late adds:
- Harrison Endycott and Anders Albertson slide in via their own number.
- Brandon Matthews joins through a DPWT/Korn Ferry/Q-School exemption, a key break for a power hitter looking to gain traction on the big stage.
- Joe Hooks and James Piot—the latter a Michigan native and U.S. Amateur champion—will make their Rocket Classic debuts thanks to sponsor exemptions.
- Paul Waring and Braden Thornberry round out the revised lineup.
It’s a field light on superstars, but not without intrigue. For every established name sitting out, there’s a new storyline waiting to take shape.
Familiar Faces, Fan Favorites
Still, fans won’t be starved for recognizable names. Collin Morikawa brings major pedigree and a short game that could light up Detroit’s putting surfaces. Rickie Fowler, always a fan favorite, is looking to regain consistency and momentum in a year that’s been stop-and-start. And Tony Finau, whose ceiling remains as high as anyone’s, will be looking to cash in on a relatively open draw.
With Ryder Cup positioning heating up and FedEx Cup points in full play, the Rocket Classic may not have the most loaded leaderboard at first glance—but it has everything to make this a pivotal week for a wide-open field.
