Detroit, MI – Birdies were flying in the first round of the 2025 Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. With afternoon thunderstorms staying away and light winds across the course, players had an excellent chance to score well. The field’s average score was nearly three strokes under par in Round 1.
However, Aldrich Potgieter and Kevin Roy both shot 10-under 62s, setting a new course record at Detroit Golf Club. They share the overnight lead heading into Friday’s second round, with Min Woo Lee one stroke behind at 9-under after shooting 63.
Lee matched the previous course record, which was also tied by Mark Hubbard and Max Greyserman later in the day.
Potgieter and Roy’s Strong Starts
Potgieter got off to a blazing start with six birdies and an eagle in his first 10 holes. Roy finished his round with an eagle-birdie combination to close strong.
Both players have something to prove, as they find themselves on the FedEx Cup bubble. Potgieter entered the week at No. 73 in the standings, while Roy was at No. 100.
Potgieter shared that his main goal this year is to make the playoffs and secure his card for next season, which would also allow him to target elevated events.
Lee’s Bounce Back
Min Woo Lee has struggled to find his form since his first PGA Tour win earlier this year. However, he was able to recover on Thursday, scoring well thanks to his long drives and hot putter. Lee is hoping the easier course setup at Detroit Golf Club will allow him to play his best.
“It’s been honestly very bad,” Lee said. “I feel like I’ve been playing pretty well the last few weeks, but just not scoring well. It feels good to be on a course where mistakes aren’t as punishing.”
Big Names Lurking Behind the Leaders
Several big names are close behind the leaders. Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, Ben Griffin, and rookie Luke Clanton all posted 66s to start in the top 20. Last week’s winner, Keegan Bradley, had to settle for a 68, while his playing partner Collin Morikawa shot a 69.
Morikawa’s Putting Struggles
It has been a tough summer for Collin Morikawa, and things got worse on Thursday as he struggled with his putting. Morikawa, who hit the ball well off the tee, ranked dead last in putting, losing nearly five strokes on the greens. He’s hinted at a potential grip change for his putter ahead of his second round.
The Leaders
T1. Aldrich Potgieter, Kevin Roy (-10)
T3. Min Woo Lee, Max Greyserman, Mark Hubbard (-9)
6. Andrew Putnam (-8)
T7. Lee Hodges, Zach Johnson, Hayden Springer, Kris Ventura, Michael Thorbjornsen, Henrik Norlander, Chris Kirk, Philip Knowles (-7)
