DETROIT (WXYZ) — We're coming up to the first-ever PGA Tour event in Detroit, the Rocket Mortgage Classic, but one man missing off the early commitments is Tiger Woods.
The event has announced commitments from several major players, including World No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson.
Woods, who just won his 15th major championship and 81st PGA Tour event, does have until the Friday before the event to commit to playing.
We have five reasons that we think Woods should come to the Motor City for the event. Check them out below.
1. Tiger Woods has had great success in Michigan
The last PGA Tour event in Michigan was the Buick Open, which was last played in 2009 at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc. Woods was the last winner of the event in 2009, and also won it in 2002 and 2006. On top of that, he finished as the runner-up in 2003 and 2005.
2. Detroit Golf Club, the host course, has a great golf history
Detroit Golf Club was founded in 1899 and has two courses, both designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross, who's other work includes Oakland Hills, Pinehurst No. 2, East Lake Golf Club and many more.
Legendary golfer Horton Smith also became the club pro following World War II in 1946 and was the club pro for nearly two decades until his death. Smith was the inaugural Masters Tournament in 1934 and won it once again in 1936.
3. The event could be used as a tune-up for the British Open
The Rocket Mortgage Classic falls at the perfect time in the calendar, two weeks after the U.S. Open and three weeks before the British Open. Many players choose to take the week off following majors, but this would be a great opportunity for the greats to hit the course again following one major an use it as a tune-up for the third major of the season in Northern Ireland.
4. Michigan is one of the best states in the country for golf.
We are constantly ranked among the best states for golf, with courses around the state. That also means we have a ton of golfers in the metro area, ones that haven't seen a PGA Tour event in the state in 10 years and ones who will flock to the city for the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
5. The event replaced the Quicken Loans National
The Rocket Mortgage Classic replaced the Quicken Loans National, which occurred in Maryland in previous years around the same time. The Quicken Loans National was hosted by Tiger Woods and benefited his foundation.
Woods is currently participating in the PGA Championship, scheduled for this weekend, but it's not clear what his commitments are following the PGA and before the U.S. Open about a month away.
