Rocket Classic Grows in Prestige with Loaded 2025 Field

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Hideki Matsuyama of Japan in action during the Pro-Am prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18.

Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama has confirmed his return to the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club this summer. The 2021 Masters winner, currently among the top 20 golfers globally, “is the second-highest-ranked player committed to the Rocket, after No. 4 Collin Morikawa.”

A Familiar Face in Detroit

This marks Matsuyama’s fifth appearance at the Rocket Classic, a course and tournament he’s grown comfortable with. Matsuyama’s return signals something broader about the Rocket Classic’s evolving reputation.

Since its launch in 2019, the event has matured into a critical stop on the PGA Tour calendar, offering players competitive conditions, enthusiastic crowds, and excellent timing just before the Open Championship.

Drawing a major champion and international draw like Matsuyama reflects how far the tournament has come in just a few years.

For fans and organizers alike, Matsuyama brings more than just skill. He offers global visibility, with a massive following in Japan and across Asia. His quiet composure, consistent iron play, and strategic approach make him a compelling player to watch, and one capable of surging late on a Sunday.

He’s also a proven closer, having won 11 PGA Tour titles, including the 2021 Masters and, most recently, The Sentry in January 2025, where he set a Tour record with a jaw-dropping 35-under-par performance.

Course Fit and Competitive Outlook

Detroit Golf Club’s traditional, tree-lined layout favors ball-strikers who can position themselves well off the tee and capitalize on scoring opportunities with mid-irons and wedges. Matsuyama’s skill set aligns perfectly with those demands.

With recent wins and a sharp game, he enters this year’s tournament as one of the favorites, likely to battle familiar faces like defending champion Cam Davis, fellow international standout Sungjae Im, and past contenders like Chris Kirk.

Beyond the leaderboard, Matsuyama’s presence elevates the Rocket Classic’s impact on the city. It has consistently tied the event to community initiatives, including efforts to bridge Detroit’s digital divide and expand access to technology and education.

A player of Matsuyama’s stature reinforces those initiatives, drawing attention from media, fans, and potential partners on a national and international scale.

Other Top Talent Locked In

Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler, each former winners, are back in pursuit of another Detroit triumph, along with Nate Lashley.

The field also features a strong mix of current Tour standouts and rising stars. Max Homa, who has notched multiple wins in 2025, will bring his trademark intensity and wit. Patrick Cantlay joins fellow Ryder Cup talent Keegan Bradley, injecting elite experience and refined skill into the mix.

Young phenoms such as South Korea’s Tom Kim and Australia’s Min Woo Lee are set to inject youthful energy; each has recorded multiple PGA Tour wins and shown they can contend in major tournaments.

Akshay Bhatia returns, as he was a standout of the 2024 tournament, leading into the final round after shooting an impressive 8-under 64 in the opening round. But ultimately fell just short, finishing runner-up after a final-hole bogey. His electric performance last year makes him a thrilling contender and one to watch closely.

Collegiate Star Earns PGA Tour Debut

University of Alabama standout Dominic Clemons will make his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Classic after earning a sponsor exemption as the 2024 Folds of Honor Collegiate champion. Clemons, originally from England, becomes the first to benefit from the tournament’s new partnership with Folds of Honor, which aims to support military families and elevate emerging talent.

His appearance aligns with the event’s “Folds of Honor Friday” celebration and highlights Detroit’s continued commitment to blending elite golf with community impact.

“The Rocket Classic is about more than golf–it’s about recognizing those who serve and uplift our communities,” Bill Emerson, Rocket Companies president, said.

The tournament will be held June 26 to June 29, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and engaging fields in the event’s history.

Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski