The Rocket Mortgage Classic has been a game-changer for Detroit since its inception in 2019. The title sponsor, Rocket Mortgage, has been a PGA Tour partner since 2014. Before RMC, the company was the title sponsor for the Quicken Loans National Golf Tournament. The company has golf brand ambassadors such as Bryson DeChambeau, Rickie Fowler, and Lexi Thompson.

The annual event starts from June 27 to June 30 at the Detroit Golf Club, its home since the beginning. But what makes the RMC a game-changer is truly inspiring! Let us dive deeper to know how the event drives economic development in Detroit. 

The Rocket Mortgage Classic is revitalizing Detroit’s economy

The PGA Tour event has generated a significant economic impact, attracting visitors and investment to the city. Through its high-profile charitable initiatives, the tournament has donated over $8.4 million to local organizations since its inception. That includes more than $3.8 million in contributions to the “Changing the Course” initiative, which started in 2019. The program aims to end the digital divide in Detroit by making data-driven investments in the city.

This Detroit-based company states, “Our commitment to end the digital divide in Detroit won’t stop until every resident has a reliable internet connection, a device that can access the online world and the knowledge to use it, ensuring no Detroiter is left behind.”

The 313 Challenge is a unique competition within the Rocket Mortgage Classic that encourages players to excel on holes 14, 15, and 16. It is one of the prime ways that assist in the Changing the Course initiative. The celebrity scramble golfers and the PGA Tour professionals compete to trigger donations. Specifically, scoring a 3 on hole 14 (an eagle) or hole 16 (a birdie) generates a $2,500 donation, while achieving a hole-in-one on hole 15 results in a $10,000 donation. 

The event has also made a significant charitable impact, donating over $1 million to local organizations. These donations have supported community development initiatives, such as park renovations, affordable housing projects, etc.

Furthermore, the tournament has promoted health and wellness initiatives throughout the city. The classic event has partnered with local organizations to provide free health screenings, fitness classes, and nutrition education to Detroit residents. The RMC has also partnered with local organizations to provide golf lessons and equipment to underprivileged youth. That gives them access to golf courses and training; additionally, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has partnered with local schools to develop a golf-related curriculum.

What is RMC’s latest social step to make things better?

In May 2023, the RMC launched a “Golf and Give“ program, providing a unique way for golf fans to support local nonprofits. Through this initiative, $30 from each ground ticket purchased goes directly to a designated nonprofit organization. Fans contribute by buying tickets online at the Rocket Mortgage Classic website and entering a specific code that corresponds to the nonprofit they wish to support. 

“We are excited to offer a fantastic new fundraising opportunity through Golf and Give this year,” said Jason Langwell, Executive Director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. “This program makes it easy for local nonprofits to utilize the tournament’s platform to create awareness about what they are doing and ultimately direct donations to help fund their missions. We encourage fans to take advantage of this opportunity and support these terrific organizations when purchasing tickets.”

“Rocket Mortgage is a For-More-Than-Profit organization, and we are always seeking new ways to partner with organizations in our hometown of Detroit and beyond. Through Golf and Give, the Rocket Mortgage Classic will continue being a powerful force for good and provide a new avenue for fans to support vital programming throughout the state of Michigan,” said Bob Walters, CEO of Rocket Mortgage.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic has made efforts to make golf more accessible and drive social change in Detroit’s communities through various programs. It provided an easy and engaging way for fans to support vital services and programs throughout Michigan while enjoying the excitement of the game. What do you think of the RMC’s initiatives for the cause?