Mark Hollis Takes Over Rocket Classic: Can He Save Detroit's PGA Tournament?

The Rocket Classic faces an uncertain future as it undergoes a leadership change and struggles to compete with flashy new golf events.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting a golf tournament or match, with sharp, overlapping planes that deconstruct the traditional sporting event into a modern, conceptual artwork.A cubist reimagining of the Rocket Classic golf tournament, reflecting the event's struggle to adapt to changing fan expectations and competition from new golf entertainment formats.Today in Detroit

The Rocket Classic, Detroit's sole annual PGA Tour tournament, is at a crossroads. With its future beyond 2026 uncertain, the event is undergoing a dramatic leadership overhaul as former Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis steps in as tournament director and co-executive director. Hollis and his team are promising a reimagined fan experience, with ideas ranging from concerts to fashion shows, all aimed at making the event feel more like a celebration and less like a traditional golf tournament. However, the tournament faces stiff competition from the party-like atmosphere of LIV Golf events and the PGA Tour's own shift towards fewer, more 'elevated' tournaments with bigger payouts. With corporate sponsorships faltering and attendance at an all-time low, the Rocket Classic's very survival is on the line.

Why it matters

The Rocket Classic's struggles highlight the broader existential crisis facing traditional golf tournaments as they compete with newer, more experiential events like LIV Golf. The tournament's future is uncertain, and its fate could have significant implications for Detroit's sports landscape and the PGA Tour's presence in the region.

The details

Mark Hollis, the former Michigan State athletic director known for his bold, unconventional sports ventures, is stepping in as tournament director and co-executive director of the Rocket Classic. Hollis and his team are promising a reimagined fan experience, with ideas ranging from concerts to fashion shows, all aimed at making the event feel more like a celebration and less like a traditional golf tournament. However, the Rocket Classic faces stiff competition from the flashy, party-like atmosphere of LIV Golf events and the PGA Tour's own shift towards fewer, more 'elevated' tournaments with bigger payouts. The tournament's corporate sponsorships are faltering, and attendance has been at an all-time low (excluding the COVID year).

  • The Rocket Classic is Detroit's sole annual PGA Tour tournament.
  • The tournament's future beyond 2026 is uncertain.
  • Mark Hollis took over as tournament director and co-executive director in 2026.

The players

Mark Hollis

The former Michigan State athletic director known for his bold, unconventional sports ventures, who is now the tournament director and co-executive director of the Rocket Classic.

Brian Rolapp

The new CEO of the PGA Tour, who seems optimistic about Detroit's potential for the Rocket Classic.

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What’s next

The PGA Tour's new CEO, Brian Rolapp, seems optimistic about Detroit's potential for the Rocket Classic, but the tournament's future remains uncertain. Hollis and his team will need to successfully implement their reimagined fan experience and find ways to compete with the growing popularity of events like LIV Golf in order to ensure the Rocket Classic's survival beyond 2026.

The takeaway

The Rocket Classic's struggles are emblematic of the broader challenges facing traditional golf tournaments as they try to adapt to changing fan expectations and competition from newer, more experiential events. The tournament's fate could have significant implications for Detroit's sports landscape and the PGA Tour's presence in the region, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to revitalize the event and attract a new generation of golf fans.