Kirk, Knowles, and Putnam Lead at Rocket Classic Heading into Saturday’s Third Round

The 2025 Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club is poised for a thrilling Saturday as Chris Kirk, Philip Knowles, and Andrew Putnam share the lead heading into the third round. After dramatic shifts in the leaderboard over the first two days, the tournament promises a captivating finish.

A Tournament of Shifting Fortunes

the Rocket Classic has already proven to be a test of consistency and resilience. What began as a dominant performance from Min Woo Lee quickly evolved into a tightly contested battle.Lee, after a stunning 9-under 63 on Thursday, found himself slipping down the leaderboard following a challenging second round. He now sits at T36,eight strokes off the lead.

“It’s just one of those days where things didn’t quite click,” a senior analyst commented, reflecting on Lee’s Friday performance.

Friday witnessed Jake knapp setting a new course record with a remarkable 61, further illustrating the low-scoring potential at detroit Golf Club. This performance, however, didn’t translate into a lead, as the tournament continues to see players trading blows at the top.

Did you know?-Detroit Golf Club, established in 1899, is one of the oldest golf clubs in Michigan. It features two courses, both designed by Donald Ross, a renowned golf course architect. the Rocket classic utilizes a composite course of the two.

Three-Way Tie for the Lead

At 14 under par,Chris Kirk,philip Knowles,and Andrew Putnam are currently tied for the lead. Kirk, demonstrating steady play with rounds of 65 and 65, will look to capitalize on his consistency. Knowles, with rounds of 66 and 64, has emerged as a strong contender, while Putnam’s 64 and 66 showcase his ability to navigate the course effectively.

Kirk and Knowles will tee off in the final pairing at 2:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, setting the stage for a head-to-head battle. Putnam and Jackson Suber (-13) will follow closely behind at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Reader question:-Which player, outside of the current leaders, do you think has the best chance to surge on Saturday and contend for the Rocket Classic title? Share your thoughts in the comments!

How to Watch Saturday’s Coverage

Golf fans can catch all the action from the third round of the 2025 Rocket Classic with comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. The Golf Channel will broadcast live from 1-3 p.m. ET, followed by CBS coverage from 3-6 p.m. ET. For those seeking additional coverage, PGA Tour live on ESPN+ will begin streaming at 7 a.m. ET, offering exclusive online access to the tournament.

Saturday’s Round 3 Tee Times

Here’s a look at the complete Round 3 tee times for Saturday (ET):

tee No. 1:
- 6:45 a.m. – Quade Cummins, Mason Andersen
- 6:55 a.m. – Michael Kim,Antoine Rozner
- 7:05 a.m.- Zach Johnson, Erik van Rooyen
- 7:15 a.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Kurt Kitayama
- 7:25 a.m. – Patrick Cantlay, Luke List
- 7:35 a.m. – Chandler phillips, Keegan Bradley
- 7:45 a.m. – Lanto Griffin, Will Gordon
- 7:55 a.m. – Paul Peterson, James Piot
- 8:05 a.m. – Beau Hossler, Ben Kohles
- 8:15 a.m. – Austin Eckroat, Chris Gotterup
- 8:30 a.m. – Aaron Wise, Davis Riley
- 8:40 a.m. – Kris Ventura, Isaiah Salinda
- 8:50 a.m. – Cameron Champ, Matthew Riedel
- 9:00 a.m. – webb Simpson, Byeong Hun An
- 9:10 a.m. – Ben Silverman, Joe Highsmith
- 9:20 a.m. – Cristobal Del Solar, Adam Hadwin
- 9:30 a.m.- Kaito Onishi, Gordon Sargent
- 9:40 a.m. – Henrik Norlander, Cameron Young
- 9:50 a.m. – Justin lower, Vince Whaley
- 10:05 a.m. – Matt wallace, Sami Valimaki
- 10:15 a.m. – min Woo Lee, Peter Malnati
- 10:25 a.m. – Victor Perez, Thorbjorn Olesen
- 10:35 a.m. – William mouw, Brett White
- 10:45 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Takumi Kanaya
- 10:55 a.m. – Si Woo Kim, Camilo Villegas
- 11:05 a.m. – Hayden springer, Davis Thompson
- 11:15 a.m. – Harry Higgs, Thomas Rosenmueller
- 11:25 a.m. – Chan Kim, Nick Hardy
- 11:40 a.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick,Ryan Gerard
- 11:50 a.m. – Doug Ghim, Kevin Velo
- 12:00 p.m. – Chad Ramey, Nicolai Højgaard
- 12:10 p.m. – Ryo Hisatsune, Matt McCarty
- 12:20 p.m. – Lee Hodges, Jacob Bridgeman
- 12:30 p.m. – Nico Echavarria, Collin morikawa
- 12:40 p.m. – Thriston Lawrence, David Skinns
- 12:50 p.m.- Harrison Endycott, Luke Clanton
- 1:05 p.m. – Gary Woodland, Max Greyserman
- 1:15 p.m. – Ben Griffin, Hideki Matsuyama
- 1:25 p.m.- Harry Hall, Jake Knapp
- 1:35 p.m. – Michael thorbjornsen, Kevin Roy
- 1:45 p.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Mark Hubbard
- 1:55 p.m. – Andrew Putnam, Jackson Suber
- 2:05 p.m. – chris Kirk, Philip Knowles

For those interested in wagering on the tournament, Fanatics Sportsbook is offering a special welcome offer with code “SUBPAR.”

As the tournament progresses, the battle for the Rocket Classic title is sure to intensify, promising an exciting weekend of golf.

Rocket Mortgage Classic Course: A Deep Dive

The Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club isn’t just a stage for golf; it’s a strategic puzzle. Understanding the course’s unique characteristics is key to appreciating the players’ approaches and anticipating potential upsets. With its composite design,this Donald Ross masterpiece provides a blend of challenges and opportunities.

Course Design and Layout

Detroit golf Club, established in 1899, boasts two courses, both designed by the legendary Donald Ross. This tournament utilizes a composite course, integrating elements from both, creating a dynamic and engaging layout. the course typically plays to a par 72, offering a balanced mix of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s. Bunkering placement and green undulation are key factors.

The fairways, while generous in width, often feature subtle undulations that can impact ball lie. strategic tee shots are crucial to position the ball favorably for approach shots. The greens are known for their challenging slopes and speeds, demanding precise putting skills. Players must manage risk and reward on each hole.

Key Holes to Watch

Several holes have consistently presented scoring opportunities and testing moments.

The 14th Hole: Provides a birdie possibility with a reachable par-5, where players can test their distance.
The 17th Hole: One of the more challenging holes on the course. Approach shots are severely influenced if the placement of the drive is off.
The 18th Hole: A reachable par-5, often setting up excitement.

Factors That Influence Play

Several factors impact the Rocket Mortgage Classic play each year, including:

Wind Conditions: Depending on the wind, the course can play dramatically differently. Strong winds can make the course more daunting, while lighter conditions can encourage low scores with the players taking more risk.
Pin Positions: The placement of pins on the greens adds another layer of strategy. Tough pin positions necessitate more conservative approach shots.
Green Speeds: Green speeds can fluctuate, thus, affecting putting strategies. Faster greens favor players with excellent touch and feel.

What are the most challenging holes on the Detroit Golf Club course? the 17th hole frequently enough poses the most meaningful challenge to players. The 18th hole is another significant factor.

What are some key characteristics of the Detroit Golf Club course? The course features generous fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering, rewarding precision and course management.

beyond the Fairway: Fan experience at Detroit Golf Club

The Rocket mortgage Classic is more than just golf; it’s an immersive experience for fans. The event offers a range of attractions, from food and beverage options to interactive fan zones.

Fan Zones and Activities

The tournament features several fan zones designed to enhance the viewing experience.

The Atrium: A showcase for Rocket mortgage and includes interactive installations.
The Gray Goose 19th Hole: Offering premium food,drinks,and views of the course.
The Detroit Community Tent: Showcasing local businesses and organizations, and offering dining opportunities.

Food and Beverage

A wide array of options, from rapid bites to fine dining, are available.

Local Food Trucks: A variety of Detroit’s favorites offer tasty food options.
Concession Stands: Offering classic stadium and golf fare.
Premium Dining: Several hospitality venues provide high-end dining experiences.

Practical Tips for Attendees

Plan Ahead: Check the tournament website for facts on parking, transportation, and permitted items.
Dress Comfortably: wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking outdoors.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle and take advantage of water stations throughout the course.
Utilize the App: Downloading the tournament’s app can provide real-time scoring, course maps, and event updates.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic strives to be a memorable experience. The tournament offers a blend of top-tier golf and engaging activities.

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