Changing the Course

DETROIT’S DIGITAL DIVIDE

The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on a number of unaddressed underlying issues in Detroit – internet accessibility being one of the most severe. Too many Detroit residents are caught in a “digital divide,” excluding them from opportunities for education, employment, and belonging afforded to those with the ability to get online.

• 20% of Detroit families have only a cell phone for internet access
• 30% of Detroit families do not have access to the internet in their homes
• 40% of Detroit families have no cellular data plan
• Detroit currently ranks as the least connected city (with more than 100,000 households) in America, with nearly a third of its homes without broadband of any type.
   

HOW WE’RE CHANGING THE COURSE

The mission of the Rocket Giving Fund is to host a world-class PGA TOUR event while simultaneously benefiting the Detroit community. In light of the profound impact of COVID-19 on Detroit and the clear need for greater and more equitable digital access, all net proceeds realized by this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic will support our new “Changing the Course” initiative. The vision of this multi-year campaign is to ensure every Detroit resident has access to the internet, technology and digital literacy training they deserve within five years.

AREA 313 CHALLENGE

The Area 313 Challenge has been reimagined for this year’s event and is more exciting than ever before. TOUR players will compete to make an eagle, ace, birdie (3-1-3) on holes 14, 15 and 16 on each of the 4 days of tournament play. The first golfer to achieve this feat will win $313,000 in their name to support our “Changing the Course” initiative. Additionally, anytime a player hits a “3” or “1” or “3,” on the respective holes, Rocket Mortgage will make a direct donation to the cause. 

• A “3” or Eagle on hole 14 will amount to a $5,000 donation by Rocket Mortgage. 
• A“1” or Hole-In-One on hole 15 will amount to a $25,000 donation by Rocket Mortgage. 
• A “3” or Birdie on hole 16 will amount to a $5,000 donation by Rocket Mortgage.

SHOWING OUR SUPPORT

During the tournament, players will be wearing a special pin to show their support for the “Changing the Course” initiative. This unique design, which combines the letter D with a heart pointing forward, represents the tournament’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving positive momentum that will create generational change in the city of Detroit.