Rickie Fowler Returns to Rocket Classic in Detroit This Thursday

DETROIT, Michigan — The 2025 Rocket Mortgage Classic kicks off Thursday at the Detroit Golf Club, featuring some of golf’s biggest stars competing for a share of the $9.6 million purse. This year, the tournament welcomes back Rickie Fowler, who won the event in 2023, alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Akshay Bhatia in the first round.

Fowler, Fitzpatrick, and Bhatia will tee off at 7:40 a.m. ET, 11 minutes after Keegan Bradley, who recently won the Travelers Championship, and Collin Morikawa, among others, start their rounds at 7:29 a.m. ET. Notable players like 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama are also set to compete, with Matsuyama scheduled to tee off at 12:54 p.m. ET with Max Homa and Ben Griffin.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic, a relatively new addition to the PGA Tour schedule, has quickly become a highlight for players and fans alike. The course, designed by Donald Ross, measures 7,370 yards with a par of 72, presenting a challenging layout for competitors. Last year, Cam Davis became the first two-time champion, having edged out his rivals in a tight contest.

In addition to TV coverage on Golf Channel, fans can follow live streaming on ESPN+ starting early Thursday morning. Tee times for the first round include a varied lineup, ensuring excitement for spectators as they witness top players in action.

With Fowler’s history at this tournament and the added pressure of current FedExCup standings, his performance will be closely watched as he seeks to secure another victory. “I feel like it’s a fairly simple, old-school golf course,” Fowler said in the past. “If you can just get to the green, it becomes a bit of a battle who can make more putts.” Only time will tell if Fowler can replicate his earlier success in Detroit.