Rocket Mortgage Classic Is More Than Just Golf; Initiatives for Black Golf Community & More Explored

Rocket Mortgage Classic is more than just a $9,200,000 purse tournament. The tournament has a tradition of creating a dish to celebrate the victory of the past champions. However, that’s not the only thing that overall enhances the value of this prestigious tournament. It also comes with some initiatives and plans for normal people.

It has initiatives like the John Shippen National Invitational for black people, the Detroit Community Days, the Youth Golf Clinic, and more. Are you curious to know what these are and how the tournament plays a significant role in executing these ideas? Well then, stick around!

What is the John Shippen National Invitational?

It is a series of three golf tournaments in May and June, which provides an opportunity for Black golfers. Each qualifier consists of a 36-hole stroke play competition and the winner secures a spot in the following week’s event on the LPGA or PGA Tours. For this year the qualifiers were on June 22–23 and through that, Willie Mack III got the opportunity to play at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

John Shippen, the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional, played in his first of six U.S. Opens in 1896. This national invitational is named in his honor. While it’s about black golfers, the Rocket Mortgage Classic also does something to support the locals of Detroit adding further to the specialty of the tournament.

Rocket Mortgage Classic raises funds for local Detroit nonprofits

The Rocket Community Fund states that it “aims to simplify complex and inequitable systems to ensure every American has access to stable, healthy housing.” For this good cause, the Rocket Giving Fund raises millions to support local Detroit non-profits through a program called ‘Connect 313,’ which was founded at the 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic to bridge Detroit’s digital divide. Last year the amount was $1.61 million and since 2019, they have raised more than $8 million. The number might grow further after this year’s tournament.

Last year, the Rocket Community used this fund to connect Detroit residents to high-speed internet, digital devices, and digital training calling this initiative “Changing the Course.”Around 90,000 Detroit households were eligible for the program. Each beneficiary received $30 in monthly support for internet access and a one-time $100 subsidy for purchasing a device through a strategy called the Affordable Connectivity Program.

As part of the tournament’s signature initiative, more than $581,000 was allocated to Connect 313, which included efforts to connect people as part of this program. Speaking of initiatives around the people of Detroit, the tournament also has Detroit Community Days and Youth Golf Clinic. That involves local people as well as children.

What is Detroit Community Days and Youth Golf Clinic?

The Detriot Community Days and Youth Golf Clinic are special events held during the Rocket Mortgage Classic. It mainly focuses on Detroiters to participate in golf-related activities. The community days offer complimentary access and parking to all fans on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Meanwhile, the Youth Golf Clinic involves elementary and middle school-aged youth. It provides an opportunity to learn fundamental golf skills and tips from PGA TOUR Teaching Professionals.

There are pros like Joseph Bramlett, Cameron Champ, Doc Redman, and more who have participated in this. This year the Youth Golf Clinic was on June 25th at the Driving range behind the Clubhouse. Interestingly all these activities are free for eligible fans to enjoy.

Aside from involving the locals, the tournament also witnessed a heartwarming moment this year. It happened on Tuesday ahead of the first round. The defending champion Rickie Fowler met Parker Milkos, a Make-A-Wish recipient. It is a foundation in the United States that grants the wishes of seriously ill children. This year Parker had his wish granted to meet the defending champion through the foundation.

What do you think about the Rocket Mortgage Classic and its initiatives? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!