The 2025 Rocket Classic exploded into action Thursday with a stunning display of low scoring at Detroit Golf Club, as American Kevin Roy and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter fired matching 10-under-par 62s to set a new course record and share the first-round lead. The young duo—aged 25 and 20 respectively—outshone a star-studded field that includes five of the world’s top 20 players.
Leaders in the Spotlight
- Kevin Roy: Seeking his first PGA Tour win after six career top-5 finishes
- Aldrich Potgieter: The 2024 Korn Ferry Tour winner proving he belongs among golf’s elite
- Record Round: Their 62s eclipse the previous course mark of 63 set by three players
Star Power Lurking Behind
While the young leaders stole headlines, golf’s biggest names remain firmly in contention:
Notable First Round Scores
- Collin Morikawa (World No. 5): 3-under 69
- Keegan Bradley (World No. 7): 4-under 68
- Defending champion Cam Davis: Struggled to 2-over 74 (T149)
The field boasts impressive depth with:
- 5 top-20 players (vs. zero in 2024)
- 3 recent U.S. Open champions (Woodland, Fitzpatrick, Clark)
- 12 players who shot 66 or better Thursday
Friday’s Marquee Pairings
All times Eastern; groups start from #1 and #10 tees
Morning Wave
⛳ 7:29 AM (10th tee): Bradley/Morikawa/Cantlay – The tournament’s highest-ranked trio
⛳ 7:40 AM (1st tee): Fitzpatrick/Fowler/Bhatia – Fan favorites with major championship pedigree
Afternoon Wave
⛳ 12:54 PM (1st tee): Matsuyama/Homa/Griffin – International firepower
⛳ 12:21 PM (10th tee): Potgieter/Kim/Gerard – Can the young leader maintain his magic?
Local Spotlight
Michigan State products Ryan Brehm (12:32 PM) and James Piot (2:00 PM) carry hometown hopes.
How to Follow the Action
Friday, June 27 Coverage
📺 TV: Golf Channel (3-6 PM ET)
💻 Streaming: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ (Full coverage starting 6:45 AM)
📻 Radio: SiriusXM (Noon ET)
Weather Alert: 70% chance of afternoon thunderstorms could impact late rounds
Course Notes: Historic Layout Facing Major Changes
The Donald Ross-designed North Course (1916) will undergo a $16 million renovation after this tournament, including:
- Removal of 100+ trees
- Expanded greens and new bunkers
- Added native grasses and drainage ditches
“These will be the most significant changes in the club’s 109-year history,” said architect Tyler Rae.
Ticket Information
🎟 Grounds Passes: $65/day (15 & under free with adult)
🎓 Student Discount: 31.3% off with .edu email
ℹ️ All tickets mobile-only (No re-entry permitted)
What to Watch Friday
- Can the leaders back up their record rounds?
- Will weather disrupt the afternoon wave?
- Can Morikawa/Bradley make a move?
- Local favorite Ryan Brehm’s quest to make the cut
Projected Cut Line: Even par (Top 65+ ties advance)
“The scoring conditions were perfect Thursday, but with storms coming, Friday could be a completely different test,” noted Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee.
With $9.2 million on the line and 500 FedExCup points at stake, the Rocket Classic promises an electric weekend at historic Detroit Golf Club. Will a young gun hold on for a breakthrough win, or will one of golf’s established stars rise to the occasion? Follow all the action as the drama unfolds.