Course changes can rattle even the steadiest of pros. Just ask the field at Oakmont, where the removal of more than 15,000 trees over three decades sparked fierce debate.
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, took no chances ahead of the Masters. He flew to Augusta National weeks in advance to inspect 4 newly rebuilt greens after Hurricane Helene.
Now, Detroit Golf Club is next in line for a facelift. After this week’s Rocket Classic, the North Course will undergo a $16.1 million renovation, including all-new greens and drainage upgrades.
And amid the looming overhaul, defending champion Cam Davis is hoping a little marital “magic” can help him go back-to-back.
Davis won here in both 2021 and 2024, and has brought his wife along for the ride this week. “Defending a tournament is a very cool experience,” he said during the pre-tournament press conference. “She wanted to be a part of that. She knows this place has become quite special to me.”
While Jonika Zapiorkowska occasionally travels, Davis noted: “It’s not a regular occurrence… to have her out and see this place, especially before the course gets renovated, to be able to see it as it has been for the first two wins of my career is very special. Should be a very fun week.”
But sentiment won’t be enough! The 2-time PGA Tour winner enters the week ranked 54th in the FedExCup standings and has struggled since a hot start to 2025.
“Season got off to I think the best start I’ve ever had on the PGA TOUR,” he said. “Then… it’s been pretty rough going. I haven’t really seen myself play much good golf as of late.”
He continued, “The PGA Championship was a nice little change, I had a couple of solid rounds there, but for the most part it’s been a little bit of searching, trying to get some magic back.”
Davis did notch a T19 at the PGA Championship, but has missed multiple cuts and finished T57 at the Travelers just last week.
His last win came in 2024 after Akshay Bhatia’s three-putt on the 72nd hole handed him a one-shot victory at 18-under in the same course.
“A place like this brings back good memories and good vibes,” he said. “If there’s any way I’m going to draw some confidence just by being in a physical location, it’s this place”.
This time, big names like Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, Patrick Cantlay, Keegan Bradley, and Rickie Fowler are all teeing it up. Davis, meanwhile, has finished T54 or worse in six of his last seven starts.
On top of that, the course itself, 7,370 yards, par 72, won’t be forgiving. With all 18 greens set to be rebuilt after Sunday, the agronomy team is expected to push conditions to the edge.
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