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This week, Detroit Golf Club will host the fourth annual event of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Even though the event is relatively new, Michigan has a long-standing history with the PGA Tour.
This state has been graced by legends such as Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer who have attained remarkable achievements.
Michigan has seen the determination of 12 significant championships, with nine of them being held at Oakland Hills County Club. Moreover, in 2004, the state proudly played host to the esteemed Ryder Cup.
Michigan has had numerous memorable moments on the PGA Tour, and here are five standout ones that continue to be cherished.
1996 U.S. Open
The history of Oakland Hills includes six U.S. Open Championships, with the last one in 1996 being particularly unforgettable.
Tom Lehman started the final round with a one-shot advantage over Steven Jones. As the Sunday game progressed, that lead expanded to three strokes after the first eight holes.
After bogeying holes 10 and 12, Lehman’s performance enabled Jones to take a 2-stroke lead with six holes remaining.
Jones managed to maintain his lead, withstanding the challenges from Lehman and a rapidly advancing Davis Love III, ultimately winning the tournament with a score of 2-under-par.
Tiger closes out Buick Open
From 2010 to 2018, Michigan did not host any PGA Tour event. However, before this period, the Buick Open was held annually in the state.
The Buick Open, which commenced in 1958, attracted renowned PGA Tour players for many years at the scenic Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc.
Tiger Woods concluded the year 2009 by securing his third victory in the event, bringing the show to a triumphant end.
Woods concluded the event with a remarkable score of 20-under-par, securing victory by a three-stroke margin over the other competitors.
Throughout his career, Tiger Woods was consistently sponsored by Buick and frequently made his way to Grand Blanc. In 2006, he achieved a significant milestone by securing his 50th career PGA victory, which coincided with his second triumph at the Buick Open. Remarkably, Woods managed to shoot a remarkable 66 in every round, accumulating a staggering 24-under-par overall and ultimately clinching victory by a three-stroke margin.
2019 Rocket Mortgage Classic
The Rocket Mortgage Classic marked the long-awaited return of the PGA Tour to Michigan on June 27, 2019, following an almost decade-long absence from the state.
Nate Lashley achieved his first PGA Tour victory in a remarkable fashion at Detroit Golf Club. With an impressive score of 25-under-par, Lashley outshined his competitors and proudly dominated the field. Surpassing all expectations, he triumphed by a remarkable six strokes, a feat that still holds as the tournament record after three editions.
Although the 2020 and 2021 editions demonstrated heightened competitiveness, the 2019 comeback to Michigan will forever remain cherished among golf enthusiasts throughout the state.
It provided an opportunity for non-Michigan golf enthusiasts to witness the true essence of what Detroit had to offer.
2004 Ryder Cup
Although Europe dominated, Michigan can still proudly claim the distinction of hosting a Ryder Cup, even though it may not be considered a standout moment for the United States.
Bernhard Langer led Team Europe to a commanding victory of 18.5-9.5 against Hal Sutton’s Team USA at Oakland Hills in 2004.
All the top golfers from the United States and Europe participated in the highly anticipated three-day team event.
Europe began the first session on Thursday with a 3.5-0.5 lead and maintained their dominance throughout.
Leading the way for Team Europe, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia both contributed 4.5 points, while Chris DiMarco took charge of the Team USA effort with 2.5 points.
17th hole at Warwick Hills
Although not attributed to a particular instance, the 17th hole at Warwick Hills has established a unique and lasting legacy.
The par-3 green was encircled by grandstands, while on the left side of the tee box, a Buick was stationed in the water. However, the true reputation of the 17th hole lay in its lively and boisterous crowd.
The 17th hole had a reputation for its rowdy spectators well before the era of people shouting absurdities on tee boxes. These fervent fans would chant, indulge in drinks, cheer on players, and were not hesitant to express their disapproval with boos.
Although some golfers were dissatisfied, it eventually became a prominent feature of the Buick Open.
The 17th hole at Warwick Hills laid the foundation for what is now known as the “party hole” at the 16th hole in Scottsdale.
Other notable moments
- In September 1969, the Shenandoah Golf & Country Club in Walled Lake hosted the Michigan Golf Classic, a PGA Tour event. The tournament concluded with a thrilling playoff that saw Larry Ziegler emerge as the victorious champion. Nevertheless, the event gained additional attention when it came to light that the sponsors were unable to fulfill the financial obligations to award all the prizes.
- In the 1987 Buick Open, Robert Wrenn showcased his exceptional skills on the seemingly effortless course. He achieved a remarkable 26-under-par score over the course of four rounds, securing a comfortable seven-shot victory over local player Dan Pohl from Michigan. Wrenn’s outstanding achievement of -26 would remain unsurpassed in the tournament’s history.
- The winner of the 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic was Bryson DeChambeau, who emerged triumphant in the second edition of the event despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. DeChambeau displayed exceptional skill, shooting an impressive 23-under-par, securing a three-stroke victory. This win served as a prelude to his remarkable triumph at the U.S. Open just two months later, where he clinched his first major championship.
- The 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit proved to be the most captivating among the three events. Cameron Davis emerged victorious after a thrilling three-man playoff that extended to the fifth extra hole. With an impressive performance, Davis fended off tough competition from Troy Merritt and Joaquin Niemann to secure his first ever PGA Tour triumph.
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