Rocket Mortgage Classic Ready to Go with Defending Champ Tony Finau and More
By Tom Lang
Tony Finau will defend his 2022 title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club, June 29-July 2. On the recent media day he joined me and other local media by video conference and it was good to see and hear the excitement in his voice to return to Michigan.
In 2022, he won the Detroit tournament and the 3M Open back-to-back.
“My win at the Rocket Mortgage propelled me into a couple more wins since then,” Finau said. “The main reason is that going back-to-back is hard, and the way I was able to play in Detroit with some great players chasing me down, down the stretch, and I was able to pull it out the way I did gave me a lot of confidence that I can play at a high level and close out golf tournaments when I need to.
“It’s a great closing stretch of (holes); 14-18 I think is really an amazing stretch of golf. You have to play well down the stretch to win the golf tournament. No. 18, I think is one of the better closing holes we have on the PGA Tour. You have to drive it straight, then hit a great second shot into that green. So, I think the closing stretch is what it’s all about.
“I have not talked to anyone who has played it more than once that doesn’t like the golf course. Right out of the gate, you’ll probably have a good look for birdie on No. 1,” he added. “And then you’ve got a tough hole on 2. The par threes I think are the stars of the show there at Detroit Golf Club. None of them are really that long, but the greens are really tricky and just hard to hit it close. So, it’s a golf course that I really do enjoy, and the consensus on Tour from a lot of guys that I talk to … absolutely love that place.”
A special giveaway will take place Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week, when all fans get in free, including free transportation from U-D Mercy campus.
Free Tony Finau bobbleheads will be given to the first 1,000 fans on each of those two days, when fans can watch the 313 Celebrity Challenge featuring Barry Sanders, Tom Izzo, Barry Larkin, Chris Webber and more on Tuesday, before the pro-am takes place Wednesday. See the website for more information: https://www.rocketmortgageclassic.com/
“I had so much support from the fans in the 313, I had so many chants of my name throughout the whole week,” Finau said. “Just so many great memories. I really look forward to just being back, connecting with all the fans and being a part of this tournament for many years to come.”
