Attention: Sports Directors/Producers/Assignment Editors
Sports Editors/Sports & Golf Writers/Sports Columnists/Community Writers
WHAT: In a show of support for the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s “Changing the Course” initiative, 12-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and Harold Varner III will team up against former World No. 1 Jason Day and Wesley Bryan in a casual nine-hole exhibition at Detroit Golf Club to raise funds toward ending the digital divide in Detroit.
The friendly exhibition will air as a special presentation of PGA TOUR LIVE and will be simulcast on Golf Channel and other PGA TOUR media platforms, including PGA TOUR social channels. GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR will cover internationally. Fans can text “AREA313” to 243725 to donate toward Changing the Course and ending the digital divide in Detroit.
Changing the Course is the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s new, multi-year initiative that aims to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure every Detroit resident has access to the internet, technology and digital literacy training.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun to get out there Wednesday for a little hit and giggle with some friends to raise money for a great cause,” Watson said. “When I heard about what Rocket Mortgage and the tournament were doing to provide internet access to Detroit residents, I knew I wanted to get behind it and do what I could to help out. I hope the fans enjoy getting a little inside look at the banter we always have during a practice round and get behind the effort too by donating what they can.”
Players will play the back nine of the tournament course, including the tournament’s famed AREA 313 (Holes 14-15-16). Wednesday’s exhibition will kick off the AREA 313 Challenge - any golfer who scores 3-1-3 on those holes throughout the four rounds of the tournament will trigger a $313,000 donation in the player’s name toward the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s Changing the Course initiative. Additionally, Rocket Mortgage has pledged to donate $5,000 for every 3 made on hole 14, $25,000 for every 1 made on hole 15 and $5,000 for every 3 made on hole 16.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1 - 1-3 p.m. ET (approximately)
WHO: Bubba Watson, Jason Day, Harold Varner III, Wesley Bryan
WHERE: Detroit Golf Club - 17911 Hamilton Road, Detroit, MI 48203 - Back nine
MEDIA COVERAGE: This event is open to media already credentialed to be on site covering the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Those covering remotely can view the event on PGA TOUR LIVE (NBC Sports and Amazon), Golf Channel, GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR (internationally), PGA TOUR social platforms and PGA TOUR channels on XUMO and PlutoTV. Additional photos, video, etc. may be available following the event.
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