DETROIT — The Rocket Mortgage Classic was postponed, forced to adjust, and ultimately ran without spectators this year.
The goal its leaders made was clear: hold a strong golf event while drawing genuine momentum towards helping people in Detroit.
The tournament announced it raised $2.7 million in 2020, including $2.4 million towards its Changing the Course initiative.
“Like all other PGA TOUR events, our overriding mission is for the Rocket Mortgage Classic to serve as a vehicle to support the nonprofits that do such amazing work in our community, and it has been amazing to see so many people come together this year in particular to get behind such a great cause,” Rocket Mortgage Classic tournament director Jason Langwell said. “We will continue to work every day toward Changing the Course and addressing this great need right here in Detroit.”
Bubba Watson worked with the tournament to hold a charitable exhibition on Wednesday of the event week. The efforts raised over $1 million for the Changing the Course initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide in Detroit.
Other charities that benefited included: Children's Foundation, Detroit PAL, Midnight Golf, Greater Palmer Park Community, and the Birdies for Charity program.
“This year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic is a testament to the boldness and ingenuity of the entire team, who understood the unique opportunity we had to use this event to bridge the digital divide in Detroit,” Rocket Companies CEO Jay Farner said in a statement. “We are committed to Changing the Course and working tirelessly to deploy resources and foster greater equity and digital access for Detroit residents and families.”
