“No good deed is ever wasted; it comes back to you,” is the motto that encapsulates the spirit of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The sixth annual golf event kicks off on June 27 at the historic Detroit Golf Club and concludes on June 30. In the 2023 edition, Rickie Fowler won the $1.584 million prize after defeating Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa in a playoff.
Fowler's attempt to defend his title is remarkable, but the tournament's charitable efforts overshadow this impressive achievement. But how did the Rocket Mortgage Classic accomplish this feat?
Rocket Mortgage Classic Charity Initiative: Hole-in-One for Charity
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic showed incredible generosity, raising a staggering $1.6 million for charity, surpassing Rickie Fowler's prize money. This classic event was a milestone in the transformation of Detroit, made possible through corporate sponsorship, on-course programming and a variety of fundraising events. Since its inception in 2019, the tournament has raised more than $8.4 million.
Significant donors from the corporate sector included Detroit-based Rocket Mortgage (part of The Rocket Company), which pledged significant donations to support local charities.In addition, funds were raised through value-added programs such as the “Birdies for Charity” initiative, in which players donated a set amount for every birdie they scored during the tournament.
Another effective program aimed to provide internet access to AREA 313 residents and help bridge the digital divide. It also included a friendly three-hole competition to raise money for the “Changing the Course” program, so that when a famous scramble golfer or PGA Tour pro got an eagle on the 14th hole or a birdie on the 16th hole, they raised $2,500 and when they got a hole-in-one on the 15th hole, they raised $10,000.
Additionally, the tournament featured a variety of fundraising events, including an auction, golf clinics and celebrity appearances, which contributed significantly to the overall charity total. Additionally, the tournament promoted community involvement through a volunteer program, with a portion of proceeds donated to local charities.
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
How will Rocket Giving Fund distribute the funds it raises?
Of the $1.6 million, Connect 313, a collaborative partnership focused on bridging Detroit's digital divide, received $581,400. Another $280,000 was split equally between Midnight Golf, the Detroit Police Athletic League and First Tee Greater Detroit.
Additionally, $75,000 was donated to the Greater Palmer Park Community. A total of $888,105 was allocated to the “Golf & Give Program” and other charitable efforts and non-cash donations. RMC launched the “Golf & Give” program in May 2023 to provide golf fans a unique way to support local nonprofits. Through this initiative, $30 from every grounds ticket purchased was donated directly to a designated nonprofit organization.
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The Rocket Mortgage Classic's philanthropic efforts made a huge impact — they garnered more attention than Fowler's bid to win the tournament. This year's tournament is a testament to the power of generosity and community spirit, and proof that in the world of sports, the greatest victories aren't always recorded on the scoreboard.
What do you think about the Rocket Mortgage Classic's efforts to make golf more accessible and bring social change to the Detroit community? Let us know in the comments below.