Detroit Golf Club has hosted the Rocket Mortgage Classic since 2019 and has been won by some of the biggest names in the sport, but the current layout is at risk of “dying”
Detroit Golf Club’s president has sounded the alarm, admitting that the prestigious course is on the brink of “dying” if it doesn’t revamp its century-old layout.
Since 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has seen some stellar champions at Detroit Golf Club, yet despite the big names like Cameron Davis, Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau, and Rickie Fowler claiming victories, there’s a fear for the club’s future.
Michael Pricer, in an interview with Golfweek, highlighted the urgent need for change to secure the North Course’s financial viability. The course, unchanged since its inception 110 years ago, is expected to undergo a major transformation by 2026.
Pricer explained the economic strain caused by weather conditions, saying: “If we get an inch and a half of rain over 36 hours, we’re essentially flooded,” which leads to a loss in cart revenue due to the softness of the ground.
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“It just really economically impacts the club in a pretty tough way. At the end of the day, the golf course is the reason why we’re here. And so, it’s time to make the investment. Because this is my personal opinion. If we don’t do this, this course dies.”
The club, designed by the esteemed Scottish architect Donald Ross, who is also responsible for the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, faces a critical juncture in its storied history. Pinehurst No. 2 was the stage for what some are calling the most electrifying major championship in recent memory, with DeChambeau clinching victory over Rory McIlroy in a nail-biting finish at last month’s US Open.
Pricer has revealed that Detroit Golf Club is set to undergo a transformation that will make it a dead ringer for Pinehurst No. 2 upon its grand reopening. “We’re trying to get it back to the original Ross design,” he said. “So, keeping with the legacy and the history of the club, and really honoring the heritage, that you know Donald Ross has created.”
“And we believe that this will be a top-100 course when we’re done. I think it’s going to look a lot like Pinehurst, to be honest. We’re really bringing back the original green complexes that Ross intended to design. They’re going to be a lot more open; they’re going to be a lot bigger.”
“So, you’re going to get a much more expansive view of the entire golf course. Yeah, I don’t think it’s going to be anywhere near as drastic as Oakland (Hills Country Club) but it’ll be opened up quite a bit.”
