Golf’s Rising Stars Shine at Rocket Mortgage Classic

The Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club has kicked off, and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting tournament. England’s Aaron Rai is just two shots off the lead, with Akshay Bhatia taking the top spot after a stunning finish to his first round.

Bhatia’s impressive round sets the tone for the tournament

Bhatia racked up four birdies and chipped in an eagle from 83 feet in his final seven holes to finish with an eight-under-par round of 64. “It’s always nice to finish like that,” said Bhatia. “This tournament’s always kind of a birdie fest, so birdies and eagles help a lot.”

Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim are just a stroke behind Bhatia, with Montgomery having a bogey-free round. “I was more nervous today than I have been on the golf course in forever just because I felt so unprepared,” Montgomery said, adding that he had played just four times in two months.

The Detroit Golf Club provides a challenging course for the players

Tony Finau set the tournament record, winning at 26-under two years ago, and Rickie Fowler needed to win in a playoff last year when 24 under wasn’t good enough through 72 holes. Fowler shot 66, closing with three straight birdies much to the delight of the tournament’s sponsor that pays him to be a brand ambassador.

England’s Rai, Will Zalatoris, Eric Cole, and Matti Schmid also were at 66, while Cameron Young and Neal Shipley, making his PGA Tour debut, were another shot back.

Miles Russell becomes the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make a cut

Talented 15-year-old Miles Russell took full advantage of his sponsor exemption as he became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make a cut with a first-round 74. “Should have been nervous all day,” he said, “It was a good day, settled in nicely.”

The baby-faced Russell looks his age, but his game is mature. He calmed his nerves to hit his first drive 305 yards to the middle of the fairway, and went on to make some par-saving putts before carding his first birdie on his 12th hole.

The players will need to bring their A-game to compete in the Rocket Mortgage Classic

As the tournament continues, it’s clear that the players will need to bring their A-game to compete. With the likes of Bhatia, Montgomery, and Fowler already making their mark, it’s shaping up to be an exciting few days of golf.

The Detroit Golf Club provides a challenging course for the players

Stay tuned for more updates from the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and find out who will come out on top in this thrilling tournament.