Can Jackson Koivun Do It Again?

👋 {{readername | Hey, golf fans}},

And the Rocket Classic is back… but for the last time. The PGA Tour, in fact, has already replaced it on the 2027 schedule, as you can find out here. But these four days at Detroit Golf Club will be memorable for sure, given not only the recent course renovations that make it more difficult but also the introduction of a one-of-a-kind broadcasting option this week. You’ll get to know about that, plus LIV’s investment update, some missed moments from the ongoing major, and more.

Let’s get swinging…

Detroit Golf Club was sandpapered so smooth that it never really broke the pros. Winners went as low as 26-under. Even pros who topped a shot next to a water hazard got away with it—watch how lucky Rickie Fowler got despite a crooked shot. But those days might now be over.

Venue: The par-70, 7,328-yard Detroit GC has been given quite the facelift, with two reachable par-5s now playing as stern par-4s. Architect Tyler Rae also reshaped several greens and upped both the size and count of the bunkers (more details with visuals here), while every hole now stretches to a fresh yardage. It’s a bit of a pity that the course won’t be making another Tour appearance.

Storylines:

Field: Six of the world’s top 15 will tee off this week, including Xander Schauffele (15th). Here are our three favorites.

The Daily Nine is live, and 83% of our readers couldn’t break par.

Everyone gets the same layout, but changing wind, tricky sand, and quirky breaks make each hole a real test (good luck with the fifth). After putting, you'll get a trivia question. Answer it correctly to earn a mulligan for later in the round. See if you can break par, compare your scorecard with a friend, and come back tomorrow for a brand-new challenge.

Being iconic: Nelly Korda has long been hailed as the standard-bearer for women’s golf. So when Charley Hull heaped praise on her, Korda’s response was pretty on point. Watch and listen here. Korda has embraced the role of being an icon, but she doesn’t want the icon Korda to change the Nelly Korda. “I'm going to go the direction I want and be very authentic.” Authenticity has made her the fan-favorite pro she is. Just check this video here to understand the impact she has already had.

Novelties: There won’t be a Rocket Classic anymore in 2027, but the final year will leave some crazy memories behind. Take a look at this quirky 3-in-the-d special, where pros were tasked with firing shots from a rooftop. And over the next four days, the PGA Tour is rolling out “Quiet, Please,” a show, as you probably figured, that will stream the tournament without announcers.

Stayin’ alive: LIV Golf honchos are running around Wall Street the same way the Bee Gees were sashaying around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Some of you might have written an obituary for the league already—and we can see the frown in your eyes—but hold your horses. According to an exclusive report from the New York Post, the league has secured—yes, secured—funding to keep the wheels turning. Apparently, a handful of blue-chip investment firms have also signed written pledges as anchor investors. So no, LIV isn’t quite six feet under, despite canceling one more event this season and despite two major lawsuits against it.

Not every piece of golf gear is meant for tournament week. Some are simply made for the rhythm of the game. The early tee times, the practice sessions, and the stories that follow every round.

Thoughtfully designed for golfers who appreciate the little moments that make the game memorable. Explore the collection at Essentially Golf Shop.

Last Poll Result: 51.70% of you said the PGA Tour should not take over the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.

It’s just Thursday: Are you scared of wild cats? No, you said? Great. Nelly Korda was walking to the first tee after a quick range session when one came out of a bush. Now, Korda is scared of wild cats, so guess what she did? Not what you would expect; watch it here. Too bad the ginger cat refused to accompany her to the first tee.

Curious choice: What’s Megan Khang’s favorite club? It’s her driver. What club do you use to get out of a bunker? Wedge, correct. But Khang chose something entirely unpredictable—check it out here. Well, let’s hope to see it in action this week.

Wonder woman: The 2020 AIG Women’s Open champion, Sophia Popov, gave birth to her second child, Julian, just ten weeks ago. And yet, she is playing at Royal Lytham. Check out her practicing on the range here. Popov said she will carry a breast pump in her bag just in case she needs to get comfortable.

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