Multiple PGA Tour Golfers Withdraw from the Rocket Classic on Monday
Multiple PGA Tour Golfers Withdraw from the Rocket Classic on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 Rocket Classic is all set to tee off this week at Detroit Golf Club, bringing PGA Tour excitement back to the Motor City. With a $9.6 million purse on the line and $1.728 million awaiting the winner, the stakes are high. The event will be played on a tough 7,370-yard, par-72 course, with past champion Cam Davis returning to defend his crown after winning it for the second time last year.
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Just after Keegan Bradley pulled off a stunning one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood at the Travelers Championship this Sunday, the field for the Rocket Classic has seen some notable changes. The Travelers win boosted Bradley to world No. 7 and sparked discussions about his potential role as a playing captain in the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Webb Simpson tees off at the Detroit Golf Club© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, the big news heading into Detroit isn't just about who's playing, but who isn't. Several PGA Tour pros have withdrawn, including Eric Cole, Kevin Yu, Tim Widing and Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Their exits have opened the door for a handful of new faces.
Among the late additions are Harrison Endycott and Anders Albertson, both getting in on their own number. Brandon Matthews joins the field via a DPWT/Korn Ferry Tour/Q-School exemption.
Meanwhile, Joe Hooks and James Piot have secured unrestricted sponsor exemptions to make their Rocket Classic debuts. Paul Waring and Braden Thornberry also step in to fill out the updated lineup.
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With some big names missing and fresh faces stepping in, the Rocket Classic promises an unpredictable week of action. And while the field may be lighter on star power compared to recent weeks, names like Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau and defending champ Cam Davis still give fans plenty to watch for in Detroit.
Related: Keegan Bradley Sends Two-Word Message on Uncertain Ryder Cup Status
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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