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Rocket Classic Final Round Tee Times Released: Sunday Showdown Looms
Rocket Classic Final Round Schedule Changed Due to Weather
Updated August 1, 2026 — The last-ever Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club has a new Sunday schedule. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
Why the Change?
Important Point: The PGA Tour moved the final round because storms and heavy rain are forecast overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning. Player safety and course conditions come first.
New Sunday Schedule at a Glance
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Gates open to public | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| First tee times begin | ~10:45 a.m. ET |
| Last tee times start | ~12:45 p.m. ET |
| Hospitality food & drinks | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| Expected finish | ~5:45 p.m. ET (unless playoff needed) |
How the Tee Times Work
- 73 golfers made the cut to play the weekend
- They’ll play in groups of three (threesomes)
- Half start on Hole 1, half on Hole 10 at the same time
- This "split tee" format gets everyone around faster
Compared to Saturday (Round 3)
| Detail | Saturday (Round 3) | Sunday (Round 4 – New) |
|---|---|---|
| First tee time | 7:30 a.m. ET | ~10:45 a.m. ET |
| Leaders’ tee time | 1:50 p.m. ET | Will be in the 10:45–12:45 window |
| Format | Threesomes, split tees | Threesomes, split tees |
Note: The later start gives the course time to drain after overnight rain.
Course Changes Made It Tougher This Year
Detroit Golf Club spent $16.1 million renovating the North Course over the past year:
- Removed two par-5 holes → Course now plays as a par-70 (was par-72)
- Added fescue grass (thick, wispy rough that’s hard to hit out of)
- Dug new ditches and remade bunkers (sand traps)
- Expanded greens → More tricky pin positions
Result: Scores Are Higher
| Year | Cut Line (score to make weekend) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 6-under par |
| 2026 | 3-under par |
Translation: The course played 3 shots harder this year.
But Three Players Still Tied the Course Record!
Despite the tougher setup, three golfers shot 61 (9-under par), tying the record set by Jake Knapp in 2025:
| Player | Round | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Malnati | 1st Round | Thursday |
| Cameron Young | 2nd Round | Friday |
| Rasmus Højgaard | 3rd Round | Saturday |
Fun Fact: Højgaard’s 61 came on "Moving Day" (Saturday) — and there’s even a video of him missing a putt on the 18th that would have broken the record!
Quick Recap: What You Need to Do
- Arrive after 9:30 a.m. — Gates don’t open earlier
- Grab lunch at 11 a.m. — Hospitality opens then
- Watch leaders tee off between 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
- Plan to stay until ~5:45 p.m. — Unless there’s a playoff (sudden-death tiebreaker)
Summary
- Final round moved later due to storm forecast
- New window: 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET start times
- 73 players in threesomes off holes 1 & 10
- Course renovations made scoring harder (cut line rose from -6 to -3)
- Three players still shot 61, tying the course record
- This is the last Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club
FAQ
Why did they change the time during the tournament?
The PGA Tour monitors weather constantly. When Saturday’s forecast showed overnight storms, they announced the change mid-round so fans and players could plan.
What happens if it rains during the final round?
Play pauses for lightning. If the course gets too wet, they may delay further or — in rare cases — finish Monday. The 5:45 p.m. estimate assumes no major delays.
What does "made the cut" mean?
After two rounds (Friday), the top 73 players (plus ties) get to play the weekend. Everyone else goes home.
Why is this the "final" Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club?
The tournament’s contract with this venue ends after 2026. Future locations haven’t been announced yet.
How can I watch if I’m not there?
Check the PGA Tour’s official channels or your local sports network for live TV/streaming coverage starting around 10:45 a.m. ET Sunday.
