Rocket Mortgage Classic returns to showcase golf's rising stars

Some of the world's best golfers are in town this week for the Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club.

Why it matters: Now in its sixth year, the annual PGA Tour event has become integral to the city's diverse sports scene .

• Defending champion Rickie Fowler is back and he's joined by an intriguing field of rising stars, which the Rocket Mortgage Classic has become known for showcasing .

Flashback: Billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert is credited with bringing the PGA Tour to Detroit for the first time in 2019.

Between the lines: This year's tournament lacks some star power. Many elite players are taking the week off after the U.S. Open two weeks ago followed by last week's Travelers Championship — the last of the tour's big-money "signature events."

Yes, but: Fans can watch some of golf's most exciting young players, including:

• Akshay Bhatia, 22, who won earlier this season and last week went toe-to-toe with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
• Will Zalatoris, an elite ball striker who has finished second in three majors .
• Miles Russell, a 15-year-old high school freshman from Florida who's making his PGA Tour debut.
• Ohio State grad Neal Shipley, who just turned pro after finishing this year's Masters and U.S. Open as the low amateur .

State of play: The four-day tournament is Thursday through Sunday. Daily tickets are available starting at $75. Parking is extra.

• Kids 15 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult. Active and retired military also get free admission .

💭 Joe's thought bubble: Ticket prices are higher than I expected, but golf provides an underrated fan experience.

• Watching an elite athlete (yes, golf is a sport!) smash a ball more than 300 yards is a unique thrill.
• If that's not your thing, you can grab a drink, wander the scenic golf course and people watch.

Go deeper: This guide from the Detroit News has tips on the best viewing areas, getting autographs and visiting the merch tent.