Peter Malnati shot a career-best 61 to lead the Rocket Classic by two strokes after threatening a sub-60 round at Detroit Golf Club. Malnati made seven birdies on the front nine and reached nine-under through 13 holes before missing putts down the stretch in a bogey-free round. Rickie Fowler and Ryan Gerard sit two back at 63, with Patrick Cantlay and Patrick Fishburn another stroke behind at 64.

The course underwent a $16 million renovation to restore Donald Ross' vision, converting par-5s to par-4s and adding bunkers, yet scoring remained low. Michael Brennan surged with eight straight birdies for a 65, while Keegan Bradley faced heckling from spectators. Cameron Young is one-under and Wyndham Clark one-over.

The tournament faces its final edition as PGA Tour changes for 2028 create a two-tier model. Organizers declined to double costs for the elite tier. Fowler, the 2023 champion and Rocket Mortgage spokesman, called it a "bummer" knowing this is the last Rocket Classic.