Aldrich Potgieter and Kevin Roy set the stage ablaze during the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit, both shooting impressive 10-under par rounds of 62, which broke the tournament’s 18-hole record. Potgieter, the 20-year-old South African who grew up in Australia, made his mark with a stunning back nine, achieving a record-setting 7-under 29. Meanwhile, Roy showcased his prowess with an eagle and eight birdies, displaying remarkable consistency throughout the day.
Potgieter was on the brink of seizing the outright lead but narrowly missed a crucial birdie putt on the ninth, which could have secured him first place alone. “I was real eager to make that putt,” Potgieter expressed, reflecting on the missed opportunity that nearly capped a sensational performance.
The Detroit Golf Club has proven to be a favorable venue since it became an annual stop on the PGA Tour in 2019, with players often finding it more accommodating due to its receptive greens, particularly following recent rainfall. Andrew Putnam, who posted a solid 64, echoed this sentiment, noting the ease of the course.
Other notable performances included Min Woo Lee, Max Greyserman, and Mark Hubbard, each a stroke back from the leaders after matching the previous tournament record of 63. Two-time major champion Zach Johnson also positioned himself competitively, just two shots off the lead.
Collin Morikawa, ranked fifth in the world, opened with a 69, continuing to grapple with his putting game but showing strength in his iron play. His ongoing adjustments included having fellow Korn Ferry player KK Limbhasut caddy for him this week. Morikawa highlighted the importance of chemistry in the caddie-player relationship, likening it to a partnership where trust and comfort play vital roles.
Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, fresh from a victory at the Travelers Championship, shot a 68 and saw increased momentum regarding his potential selection for the upcoming matches against Europe at Bethpage Black in New York.
The camaraderie and excitement surrounding this event reflect a positive shift in player engagement, especially with the inclusion of several top-tier competitors. The hope is that courses like the Detroit Golf Club will become more common, leading to enjoyable and less stressful experiences for the players.
Overall, the tournament’s strong performances hint at an exhilarating competition ahead, fostering excitement among fans and players alike.