The Rocket Classic field is significantly smaller after a difficult second round at the Detroit Golf Club. The cut line landed at 3 under par, meaning 73 players will compete through the weekend while the rest of the 146-player field prepares to exit. Among the most notable departures is U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who finished the tournament at 5 over par.
Clark struggled throughout his second round, shooting a 74 that included a double-bogey on the 14th hole. This marks his second consecutive missed cut following his performance at the British Open. The professional golfer had enjoyed a dominant season, securing wins at the Byron Nelson and the U.S. Open before this recent slump. Clark had generated local interest this week due to his relationship with Metro Detroit native Emily Tanner.
Several other top-ranked competitors also failed to make the cut. World No. 7 Chris Gotterup finished at 1 over par after a second-round 73. Ben Griffin came close to qualifying but finished at 2 under par after missing a critical birdie attempt on his final hole. Other notable exits include Akshay Bhatia, 2021 Rocket winner Cam Davis, and defending champion Aldrich Potgieter. Lucas Glover, who gained attention last week for a bizarre shoe incident, also finished well outside the cutoff at 4 over.
Local representatives Patrick Wilkes-Krier and Joe Hooks struggled to gain momentum, finishing at 7 over and 8 over respectively. Furthermore, the two YouTube golf personalities who entered the tournament via sponsor exemptions were eliminated. Ryan Ruffels finished at even par, while Brad Dalke ended the event at 16 over par in last place. As the tournament continues at the Detroit Golf Club, the remaining leaderboard remains crowded with talent, though the absence of these high-profile players shifts the outlook for the weekend rounds.