Thorbjornsen Wins Rocket Classic Amidst Rain

Michael Thorbjornsen claimed his inaugural PGA Tour victory at the 2026 Rocket Classic, held at the Detroit Golf Club. The final round saw golfers battling rain and wind, with Thorbjornsen carding a 7-under 63 to finish at 18 under par. His impressive performance included sinking four birdies on his back nine, ultimately finishing two shots ahead of Xander Schauffele. This event marks the conclusion of the Rocket Classic's tenure in Detroit.

The tournament experienced challenging weather throughout the final day, with winds picking up and rain falling. Despite the conditions, course records were challenged earlier in the week, with Peter Malnati, Cameron Young, and Rasmus Højgaard each shooting a 61. However, no golfer matched that score on Sunday. The Rocket Classic, a significant event on the PGA Tour schedule, is ending its run as Rocket Corporation withdraws sponsorship, with speculation pointing to financial considerations for a more premium Tour placement in 2027.

The PGA Tour has expressed continued interest in the Detroit market, citing its size. However, the Classic, with its $10 million purse, was considered a lesser event, struggling to attract top-tier stars consistently. This year's field included notable players like Cameron Young but lacked the presence of golfers such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, highlighting its local prestige over national draw.