Image Source: Detroit Free Press
Thorbjornsen will play a prominent afternoon tee time in the final round of the 2026 Rocket Classic, but the tournament’s closing schedule has been reshaped by incoming Detroit weather. The PGA Tour announced Saturday that Sunday’s final round at Detroit Golf Club will use threesomes starting from both the first and 10th tees.
The adjustment comes as storms and rain are forecast overnight and into Sunday morning. Instead of following the tournament’s traditional spread-out final-round schedule, players will begin in a compressed window designed to get the field onto the course once conditions improve.
Thorbjornsen earns a crucial final-round tee time
Thorbjornsen is scheduled to tee off at 12:23 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time from the first tee. He will play alongside Kristoffer Ventura and Xander Schauffele in one of the day’s later groups.
The grouping gives golf fans a strong afternoon threesome to follow as the final Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club reaches its conclusion. The event is scheduled to end around 5:45 p.m., although another playoff or additional weather disruption could push the finish later.
Thorbjornsen’s position in the schedule also means he will be among the players competing after the course has absorbed overnight rain and the morning weather system. Soft conditions could influence scoring, approach shots and putting on the renovated North Course.
Explosive weather changes reshape Sunday schedule
The PGA Tour said final-round tee times would run approximately from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in groups of three from Nos. 1 and 10. The published schedule lists the first groups at 10:33 a.m., with the final listed tee time at 12:45 p.m.
- Public gates are scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m.
- Hospitality food and beverage service begins at 11 a.m.
- Players will tee off from both Nos. 1 and 10.
- Play is expected to finish around 5:45 p.m., barring another playoff.
The revised plan is intended to reduce the risk of losing valuable daylight if storms delay the morning start. It also creates a more dramatic finish, with many of the leading contenders expected to play in the afternoon window.
Renovated Detroit Golf Club produces a demanding test
This year’s Rocket Classic has been played on a substantially changed North Course. A $16.1 million renovation over the past year removed two par-5 holes, converting the layout to a par-70 course. The project also added fescue grass and ditches, rebuilt bunkers and expanded the Donald Ross-designed greens.
The changes were designed to make the tournament more challenging and create additional pin placements. That impact was reflected in the cut line, which moved from 6-under in 2025 to 3-under in 2026.
Even with the more demanding layout, the course has produced several spectacular rounds. Peter Malnati, Cameron Young and Rasmus Højgaard each tied the course record of 61 during the first three rounds. Jake Knapp originally established the record during the second round of the 2025 Rocket Classic.
Final Rocket Classic enters decisive finish
There are 73 golfers who made the cut and will compete during Sunday’s finale. The tournament is the second-to-last event of the PGA Tour’s regular season, adding importance for players attempting to improve their standing before the postseason.
Young and Patrick Cantlay were among the players positioned near the top after Saturday’s third round. Cantlay is scheduled to tee off at 11:50 a.m. with Kevin Yu and Rico Hoey, while Young is set for a 12:34 p.m. start with Chris Kirk and Rickie Fowler.
The final group listed for the afternoon includes Davis Riley, Michael Brennan and Højgaard at 12:45 p.m. from the first tee. With weather, a tighter schedule and a renovated course all influencing the day, the final Rocket Classic promises an intense conclusion in Detroit.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Thorbjornsen tee off?
Thorbjornsen is scheduled to begin the final round at 12:23 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 2, from the first tee at Detroit Golf Club.
Who is playing with Thorbjornsen?
Thorbjornsen is scheduled to play in a threesome with Kristoffer Ventura and Xander Schauffele.
Why were the Rocket Classic tee times changed?
The PGA Tour moved the schedule because storms and rain were forecast overnight and into Sunday morning.
When will the final round finish?
Tournament officials expect play to end around 5:45 p.m., although weather or a playoff could extend the competition.
