A New Chapter at the Rocket Mortgage Classic: Detroit Golf Club Gears Up for 2024
As we approach the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, anticipation is mounting at Detroit Golf Club. This renowned PGA TOUR event, set to take place from June 27-30, promises an exciting week of golf on one of Michigan’s most historic courses. Under the expert guidance of Director of Agronomy Sam Moynihan, GCSAA, the course is prepared to challenge and delight both players and spectators.
Meet the Director of Agronomy
Sam Moynihan, a dedicated member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for 7 years, took on the role of Director of Agronomy at Detroit Golf Club on April 3, 2023. Despite being relatively new to the position, Moynihan brings a wealth of experience from prestigious courses such as Caves Valley, Muirfield Village, and Los Angeles Country Club. An alumnus of West Virginia University, Moynihan’s expertise is instrumental in maintaining the high standards of the course.
The Team Behind the Scenes
Supporting Moynihan is a dedicated team of golf professionals:
- Adam LaFrance: North Course Superintendent
- Kenny Egler: South Course Superintendent (40 years)
- Steve Addis: Construction Superintendent (30 years)
- North Course Assistants: Mike Mosquera, Richard Juvancic, Nate Voss
- Tim Travis: Equipment Manager
- Golf Course Dog: Maya, a 1-year-old golden retriever
This experienced team of professionals works tirelessly to ensure the course remains in impeccable condition.
Course History and Design
Detroit Golf Club, designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1916, has undergone renovations by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, and Bruce Hepner. A significant renovation by Tyler Rae is planned for 2025. The course layout includes routing changes for the tournament, incorporating various holes from both the North and South courses to create a unique and challenging setup.
Turfgrass Specifications
Maintaining the pristine condition of Detroit Golf Club requires meticulous attention to detail. Here are the turfgrass specifications for the tournament:
- Greens: Bentgrass/Poa annua, cut to .100”
- Collars: Bentgrass/Poa annua, cut to .350”
- Approaches: Bentgrass/Poa annua, cut to .350”
- Tees: Bentgrass/Poa annua, cut to .375”
- Fairways: Bentgrass/Poa annua, cut to .375”
- Rough: Bluegrass mix, maintained at 4”
These specifications ensure that the course provides a fair and challenging playing surface for the competitors.
Tournament Set-Up
- Par: 72 (36-36)
- Yardage: 7,370 yards
- Average Green Size: 5,150 sq. ft.
- Total Property Acres: 200 managed
- Acres of Fairway: 30
- Acres of Rough: 75
- Number of Sand Bunkers: 87
- Number of Water Hazards: 1
- Number of Holes with Water in Play: 1
The course features clay loam soil and relies on city water sources. Despite poor natural drainage conditions, the team’s expertise ensures optimal playability.
Additional Notes
- The North Course will undergo a full renovation in 2025, including greens, tees, and bunkers.
- Routing changes for the tournament include playing from North No. 1 tee box to South No. 1 green for Tournament No. 3.
- The No. 11 and No. 12 greens were resodded in May 2023 after being vandalized, ensuring they are in perfect condition for the tournament.
- Average fairway widths are 30 yards, providing a fair challenge for all players.
As the Rocket Mortgage Classic draws near, the team at Detroit Golf Club is ready to deliver another memorable tournament. Under Sam Moynihan’s leadership, the course is set to showcase its beauty and challenge to the world. Stay tuned for an exciting week of golf at one of the PGA TOUR’s standout events.
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