Detroit — The Rocket’s back.

The PGA Tour returns to Detroit Golf Club this week, for the sixth playing of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, which has struggled at times to put together a star-studded field, but hasn’t struggled in producing the drama.

Every Rocket has had its fair share of story lines, and drama. The tournament has had two playoffs, including Rickie Fowler’s triumph over Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, last year. And the tournament’s had its fair share of marquee winners, including Tony Finau in 2022 and Bryson DeChambeau in 2020.

Who will it be this year?

The News’ resident golf “experts” weigh in, before the action gets under way at Detroit Golf Club on Thursday.

Tony Paul, reporter

▶ Favorite: Tom Kim has to be the popular pick this week in Detroit, given his performance at the Travelers, where he led almost the entire tournament until late on Sunday, when Scottie Scheffler passed him by (no shame in that) and eventually won in a playoff. Kim knows how to go low, and he’s done it in Detroit. Cameron Young will be atop a lot of folks’ list, too, after his 59 on Sunday, and his tie for second in Detroit in 2022, but if the rough is thick, Young and his erratic driver could have some issues.

▶ One to watch: I’m extremely curious to see how 15-year-old Miles Russell handles his first appearance in a PGA Tour event, in the tournament on a sponsor’s exemption. He did just swell in his Korn Ferry Tour debut, becoming the youngest player ever to make the cut on that circuit. He played Detroit Golf Club earlier this year, and apparently tore the place up (and he also swung by Oakland Hills, shooting 67-68 from the tips).

▶ Dark horse: Neal Shipley. He joined the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Viktor Hovland and a handful of others in earning low-amateur honors at both the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year. He since has turned professional, and projects to be one of those quick-to-the-winner-circle fellas.

▶ Winner: Rickie Fowler. The Rocket hasn’t had a repeat winner, but I’ll say that ends this year. He’s struggled since his breakthrough win in Detroit a year ago, but turned it on the Travelers, just in time for one of his favorite stops.

John Niyo, columnist

▶ Favorite: Cameron Young is the highest-ranked player in the field, and he’s coming in hot, fresh off firing a 59 on Saturday at the Travelers. But with his combination of power and touch, he’s also a perfect fit for this Donald Ross course, as he proved with a runner-up finish to Tony Finau in 2022

▶ One to watch: Chris Kirk is a horse for this course, no doubt. His tie for 14th here last year was his fourth straight top-25 finish, a run that includes a dozen rounds in the 60s. 

▶ Dark horse: J.J. Spaun has made the cut in every RMC — no one else can say that — and last year’s T33 was his worst finish to date. Recent results aren’t great, but a Motor City visit might be just what he needed.

▶ Winner: Taylor Pendrith followed up a runner-up finish here in 2022 with another top-15 last year at DGC. After notching his breakthrough win at the Byron Nelson this spring, I’m picking him to double up this week in Detroit.

More: The News’ tee-to-green coverage of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, all right here

Craig Yuhas, assistant sports editor

▶ Favorite: Tom Kim. Without a star-studded field, Kim stands out as someone that should have a great chance after finishing second at Travelers Championship. The biggest problem is how much gas do some of the better players, including Kim, have in the tank? Kim is playing his ninth event in a row, and many will be playing their fourth or fifth tournament in a row this week. He seems to be handling it the best right now.

▶ One to watch: Rickie Fowler. His win at last year’s RMC was a big breakthrough as he embarks on the second half of his PGA Tour career. His play has been steady but not spectacular since. He will have a big following, as he always does, when he’s here. Maybe that is the jolt his game needs to get back rolling to finish off the season.

▶ Dark horse: Adam Schenk. He’s had a up-and-down year, but when he’s good, he’s really good. Schenk finished seventh last year here and maybe this is the week the Purdue alum breaks through for his first career victory.

➤ Winner: Akshay Bhatia. After winning the Texas Open the week before the Masters, Bhatia struggled for a minute before putting it together and is trending in the right direction — T22 at Memorial, T16 at U.S. Open and T5 at the Travelers. I like him to win, but I wonder how he holds up. This will be his eighth tournament in a row.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The Detroit Police Department is seeking information from the community regarding the fatal shooting of Oakland County Sheriff Bradley Reckling while in the line of duty.

The incident occurred on Saturday (June 22) at 10:48 p.m. in the area of Park Grove and Schoenherr streets when Reckling was behind a stolen Chevy Equinox when the vehicle suddenly stopped.

Reckling was among three deputies from the auto theft unit searching for the stolen Equinox from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Oakland County sometime between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Officials said the suspects exited the Equinox and fired two shots, hitting Reckling.

Reckling was transported to a Metro Detroit hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information should contact Detroit’s Homicide Task Force at 313-596-2260, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-up, or submit a tip on DetroitRewards.TV (If the tip moves this case forward, the tipster will receive a $5000.00 reward. Must include case number 2406220359).

All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.

–> ‘It was an ambush’: Everything we know after Oakland County deputy shot, killed

The 2024 Ford Fireworks return to Downtown Detroit on Monday, June 24, and with hundreds of thousands of people converging on the city, it’ll be a busy night in Detroit.

The City of Detroit has released information on viewing areas, closed parks, curfew and more for the event on Monday night.

Here’s everything you need to know

Viewing areas

The city said the best viewing sites are Hart Plaza, Belle Isle and Spirit Plaza. Hart Plaza and Spirit Plaza will be open to the general public until capacity is reached. However, setting up or gathering at the plazas will not be allowed prior to 2:00 p.m. on June 26.

During the day of the fireworks, re-entry will not be allowed at Hart Plaza or Spirit Plaza. Anyone entering either plaza will be subject to security screening, including coolers and backpacks.

Belle Isle will be closed until 2 p.m. and then will open to traffic. Motorists will need a recreation passport to enter the island. Alcohol consumption is prohibited, no tents or canopies are allowed and more.

Riverside parks that will be closed:

• RiverWalk in its entirety including Milliken State Park/Harbor
• AB Ford Park, 100 Lenox
• Gabriel Richard Park, 7130 E. Jefferson
• Mariner Park, 14700 Riverside Blvd.
• Lakewood East, 14578 Riverfront Blvd.
• Erma Henderson Park, 8800 E. Jefferson Ave.
• Owens Park, 8430 E. Jefferson Ave.
• Stockton Park, 9250 Dwight  
• Maheras-Gentry Park, 12550 Avondale  
• Elliott Park, 110 Mt. Elliott  
• Riverside Park

Where to park

The city said the Municipal Parking Department will not enforce parking meters after 5 p.m., however, you have to observe parking restrictions. Violators will be ticketed and may be towed for improper parking, parking in front of fire hydrants, bus stops or blocking sidewalks.

Parking is also available at city-owned garages like the Ford Underground Garage for $10 and Eastern Market Garage for $5.

Street and freeway closures

• No northbound or southbound traffic will be allowed on Woodward Avenue beginning at Park and Witherell. Motorists may cross Woodward at John R/Clifford, Grand River, and State/Gratiot.
• All streets south of Fort and west of Woodward will be closed.
• All streets south of Congress and east of Woodward will be closed.
• Beginning at 6 p.m., freeways will begin to close. *

The Detroit Police Department reserves the right to request closure of the freeways and surfaces streets earlier or later, depending on the volume of vehicle traffic.
Curfew

A curfew will be in effect for minors ages 17 and under from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. on June 25 for the area bounded by the Detroit River, Rosa Parks Blvd., Lodge Freeway, Fisher Freeway, the extension of Fisher Freeway east to include Gratiot Avenue, Vernor Highway, Chene Street, Atwater Street and Chene Park.

Minors can view the fireworks from approved public areas, but must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult ages 21 or over.

Minors in violation of the curfew will be taken to the Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval. Minors will be held there until picked up by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian also shall receive a parental responsibility violation ticket.

Lost children

Parents can find lost children in these locations:

• Huntington Place, off Atwater Dr. in the atrium 
• Detroit Police Department 3rd Precinct, 2875 W. Grand Blvd. (313) 596-5300 
• Detroit Police Department 4th Precinct, 4700 W. Fort Street (313) 596-5400 
• Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval, 628-2100 

DDOT bus routes impacted

The following bus routes will be impacted by the Fireworks. They include: Grand River (#3), Woodward (#4), Van Dyke/Lafayette (#5), Gratiot (#6), Conant southbound only (#12), Jefferson (#9), Dexter (#16), Russell (#40), Chene (#52), and Cadillac/Harper (#67). All DDOT routes will go to Rosa Parks Transit Center.

For more information regarding DDOT service, call (313) 933-1300.

Detroit People Mover

The Detroit People Mover will be open for the fireworks from 7 a.m. until midnight. People may exit at Financial District for viewing at Spirit or Hart Plaza.

Trains will not stop at Huntington Place or Renaissance Center after 2 p.m.