Detroit Golf Club Residents Celebrate Legacy of Rocket Classic

Detroit residents of the Golf Club neighborhood expressed their hope that the Rocket Classic will leave a lasting legacy by highlighting their historic and affluent community. As the tournament concludes this year, locals view it as a unique opportunity to showcase a predominantly Black area that has hosted a rare event on the Professional Golfers' Association circuit.

Despite some complaints regarding noise, traffic, and litter during the tournament, many residents feel that the national exposure and financial support from Rocket Companies and the PGA far outweigh these issues. "One of the many things I'm grateful for is the beautiful way the TV cameras showed off our community and our city to a national audience," remarked Dr. Jimmy Womack, who leads the Detroit Golf Club Community and has been a member of the club for many years.

The Detroit Golf Club itself is a notable landmark, spanning 222 acres with two 18-hole courses designed by the renowned Donald Ross. Established in 1899, the club’s historic Arts and Crafts style clubhouse was created by Albert Kahn in 1918. For decades, membership was restricted to White individuals, with the first African American member being then-Mayor Coleman Young, who joined in 1986. Since then, the club has embraced a more diverse membership.

Residents Micheal and Donna Craighead enjoy viewing the tournament from their backyard, located among the 126 historic homes that line the fairways. "We get to see all the pros tee off from the second hole," Donna shared, acknowledging the chaos that accompanies such a large event but also emphasizing the vibrancy it brings to the neighborhood. "Every year, we have out-of-town visitors who come for the tournament, allowing us to showcase this part of Detroit with its million-dollar homes."

Micheal Craighead reflected on the neighborhood's transformation, noting improvements such as street clean-ups and murals leading up to the tournament. He highlighted the positive impact of the Rocket Classic, which has contributed over $10 million to local charities since 2019, including the “Changing the Course” initiative focused on enhancing digital access for Detroit residents. The Detroit Regional Chamber estimates that the tournament generates approximately $1.5 to $2 million in local economic activity each year.