Full Breakdown
Rocket Classic Kicks Off with Rooftop Par-3 Exhibition
7/29/2026, 3:24:40 PM
Background & Context
The event is part of the Rocket Classic’s eighth-year run, which has raised more than $10 million for local charities. Organizers partnered with First Tee – Greater Detroit, Midnight Golf, and the College, Career & Beyond program, linking downtown Detroit with the city’s junior-golf community. Tournament director Mark Hollis framed the exhibition as a way to bring golf directly into the urban core and generate social-media buzz.
Data & Statistics
- Hole length: 117 yards with a 90-foot elevation drop.
- Green size: 40 ft × 40 ft, positioned on the street below the roof.
- Competitors: Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, Keegan Bradley.
- Each pro took two practice shots; the third counted toward the competition.
- Junior partners (one per pro) represented First Tee Greater Detroit, Midnight Golf, and College Career & Beyond.
- The exhibition was free to the public, with a viewing area behind protective netting; no tickets were required.
Official Statements & Responses
Mark Hollis said the rooftop challenge would be “a lot of fun” and expected it to generate strong social-media engagement. CBS Detroit highlighted the difficulty of the shot, citing wind and the need to navigate between buildings. Participants and junior golfers expressed enthusiasm for the unique setting and the chance to interact directly with fans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It should be a lot of fun,” — Rocket Classic
- “Dan Gilbert tasked us with making the final Rocket Classic the biggest and best one yet, and kicking it off with par 3 in the d is the only way we knew how to do it,” — Dean Bokuniewicz, said dean
- “This was great, definitely one of the harder shots we've had to try and hit between some buildings with the wind, but yeah, fun to step out of your comfort zone once in a while,” — Ricky Fowler
- “When I was walking up, I'm looking back like that's a tough shot, and I'm like, where are they gonna hit it, like where's the safety shot. But it was crazy seeing that they were actually able to do it was really cool,” — Shaune Horne
- “Having them be our Caddy was really nice, and giving us some words of encouragement and just having a conversation with them after the fact was really nice too,” — Elijah Robinson
