The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club started off with a bang, with Nate Lashley delivering a hole-in-one in just two holes. However, it was Akshay Bhatia who closed the first round with a one-stroke lead after firing an 8-under 64. Michael Kim and Taylor Montgomery followed closely behind at 7 under, with a logjam of five golfers at 6 under, including 2023 Rocket champ Rickie Fowler and Will Zalatoris.
Course architect Donald Ross provided a challenging course for the PGA Tour field, with small greens and high pin placements. Tom Kim struggled with his putting, resulting in a 1-over 73, while Cameron Young excelled with a 5-under 67 by placing the ball in optimal positions on the green and sinking his putts.
Fowler, the sentimental favorite and defending Rocket champ, showed promise with a solid 6-under 66 round, closing with three birdies in his final five holes. Bhatia grabbed the lead with a late push on the back nine, posting a birdie, an eagle, and a birdie on Nos. 16-18. However, Fowler will need to convert some pars into birdies if he wants to make a move on Day 2.
Fifteen-year-old Miles Russell, making his PGA Tour debut, showed his inexperience throughout the day, consistently putting himself in challenging situations. The race to make the cut will be exciting to watch, especially with wet conditions expected on Saturday. Friday’s second round will be crucial for the field to make a move before the weather worsens.
Young is still searching for his first Tour win and started strong with a birdie and an eagle in his first four holes, tying for second place. Aaron Rai also had a strong performance with a 6-under 66 during the morning session, grabbing the lead before falling to fourth place as the warm weather benefited the afternoon players.
