2025 PGA Rocket Classic
Second Round Results & Complete Analysis
The second round of the 2025 PGA Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club has produced one of the most compelling leaderboards of the season. Three American players - Andrew Putnam, Chris Kirk, and Philip Knowles - share the lead at 14-under-par, while the golf world is buzzing about Jake Knapp's sensational 11-under-par second round that catapulted him into serious contention.
With a $9.6 million purse, 500 FedEx Cup points, and a coveted Masters invitation awaiting the champion, this weekend promises to deliver championship-caliber drama as 84 players battle through the cut line of -5.
2025 PGA Rocket Classic - Second Round Results
Tournament Overview
Venue: Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan
Course Length: 7,370 yards, Par 72
Field Size: 156 players
Total Purse: $9.6 million
Winner's Share: $1.728 million
Dates: June 25-29, 2025
Cut Information
Cut Line: -5 (5-under-par) • Players Making Cut: 84 • Largest Gap: 9 strokes between leaders and cut line
Round of the Day: Jake Knapp's Spectacular 61
The story of Friday's second round belongs to Jake Knapp, who fired an absolutely scintillating 11-under-par 61 to rocket up the leaderboard into a tie for 8th place at -11 overall. Knapp's round was a masterclass in precision and aggression, featuring 11 birdies against a bogey-free card.
Knapp's Round Breakdown:
- Front Nine: 31 (-5) with birdies on holes 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9
- Back Nine: 30 (-6) including an eagle on the par-5 17th hole
- Key Stats: 11 birdies, 1 eagle, 0 bogeys, 14 of 14 fairways hit
- Putting: Only 24 putts for the entire round, including six one-putts
"Everything just clicked today. The putter was on fire, and I was hitting it exactly where I was looking. When you get in that zone, you just try to stay out of your own way and keep making birdies." - Jake Knapp
Complete Leaderboard
Co-Leaders at -14
- Andrew Putnam (USA) - Second Round: 66 (-6) | "Steady and consistent, avoided big numbers"
- Chris Kirk (USA) - Second Round: 65 (-7) | "Clutch putting on the back nine sealed the round"
- Philip Knowles (USA) - Second Round: 64 (-8) | "Best ball-striking round of the season"
| Position | Player (Country) | Total | Round 2 | World Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Jackson Suber (USA) | -13 | -7 | 78 |
| T5 | Michael Thorbjornsen (USA) | -12 | -5 | 145 |
| T5 | Mark Hubbard (USA) | -12 | -3 | 92 |
| T5 | Aldrich Potgieter (RSA) | -12 | -2 | 67 |
| T8 | Collin Morikawa (USA) | -11 | -8 | 5 |
| T8 | Jake Knapp (USA) | -11 | -11 | 156 |
| T8 | Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) | -11 | -6 | 12 |
| T8 | Ben Griffin (USA) | -11 | -5 | 45 |
| T8 | Luke Clanton (USA) | -11 | -5 | Amateur |
| T8 | Max Greyserman (USA) | -11 | -2 | 89 |
Top-Ranked Players Performance
World Top 20 Players in the Field
Collin Morikawa (World #5) - T8 at -11
The two-time major champion fired a brilliant 64 (-8) in the second round, including 8 birdies and no bogeys. His iron play was exemplary, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. Currently 3 shots off the lead and perfectly positioned for a weekend charge.
Hideki Matsuyama (World #12) - T8 at -11
The Masters champion posted a solid 66 (-6) in round two. Known for his weekend prowess, Matsuyama has quietly positioned himself for another run at a PGA Tour title. His short game was particularly sharp with several crucial up-and-downs.
Patrick Cantlay (World #8) - T64 at -6
The usually reliable Cantlay struggled to an even-par 72 in the second round, falling well behind the leaders. His putting, typically his strongest suit, let him down with three three-putts on the day. Needs a low weekend to contend.
Notable Missed Cuts
- Rickie Fowler (World #45) - Missed cut at -2
- Max Homa (World #34) - Missed cut at -3
- Danny Willett (World #67) - Missed cut at -3
American Players Dominating the Leaderboard
American players are having an exceptional showing at Detroit Golf Club, occupying the top positions and demonstrating the depth of talent on home soil. The domestic dominance is evident with Americans filling the top spots and showing why the Ryder Cup team selection will be so competitive.
Top American Performers:
- Andrew Putnam (-14): Seeking his second PGA Tour victory, playing with confidence and precision
- Chris Kirk (-14): The veteran is showing why experience matters in pressure situations
- Philip Knowles (-14): Looking for his breakthrough victory on tour
- Jackson Suber (-13): The young gun continues his impressive rookie season
- Jake Knapp (-11): His round-of-the-day 61 has everyone talking
- Collin Morikawa (-11): The star player perfectly positioned for a weekend charge
US Players Statistics:
• 15 of top 20 positions held by American players • Average score of leading Americans: -11.8 • 47 American players made the cut out of 84 total
Course Conditions & Strategic Analysis
Detroit Golf Club is playing at 7,370 yards this week, with soft conditions from recent rain making the course more accessible for scoring. The par-72 layout rewards aggressive play, particularly on the three par-5s where eagles are readily available for long hitters.
Scoring Statistics
- Average Round 2 Score: 69.8 (-2.2)
- Eagles Made: 23 (mostly on par-5s)
- Birdies Made: 847 total
- Lowest Round: Jake Knapp (-11)
Key Holes
- Hole 7 (Par-5): Most eagles (8)
- Hole 14 (Par-5): Easiest hole (-0.8)
- Hole 17 (Par-5): Risk/reward finish
- Hole 11 (Par-3): Toughest (+0.3)
Weekend Weather Forecast:
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 78°F, winds 8-12 mph SW • Sunday: Sunny, 82°F, winds 5-10 mph S • Conditions favor continued low scoring
Prize Money Distribution & Tour Benefits
Complete Prize Money Breakdown
| Position | Prize Money | FedEx Points | OWGR Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $1,728,000 | 500 | 24 |
| 2nd | $1,046,400 | 300 | 15.6 |
| 3rd | $662,400 | 190 | 12 |
| 4th | $470,400 | 135 | 9.6 |
| 5th | $393,600 | 110 | 8.4 |
| 10th | $172,800 | 39 | 4.2 |
Champion's Rewards Package
Tournament Exemptions
- 2-year PGA Tour membership
- 2026 Masters Tournament
- 2026 Players Championship
- 2026 Genesis Invitational
Tour Benefits
- FedEx Cup Playoffs qualification
- Significant OWGR points boost
- Ryder Cup consideration
- Enhanced sponsor opportunities
Weekend Preview & Expert Analysis
The weekend at Detroit Golf Club promises to deliver exceptional drama as three co-leaders battle for their breakthrough moment while established stars like Collin Morikawa lurk just three shots behind. With scoring conditions remaining favorable and the course playing to its maximum yardage, expect fireworks over the final 36 holes.
Key Storylines to Follow
The Three-Way Battle for Glory
Andrew Putnam, Chris Kirk, and Philip Knowles each bring different strengths to the weekend. Putnam's consistency, Kirk's veteran savvy, and Knowles' current form create a fascinating dynamic. None have won a signature event, making this their golden opportunity.
Morikawa's Championship Pedigree
The two-time major champion has proven he can close out tournaments when in contention. His second-round 64 showed his A-game is in full swing. Three shots is nothing for a player of his caliber, especially with his exceptional iron play on a course that rewards precision.
Jake Knapp's Momentum Factor
Lightning rarely strikes twice, but Knapp's confidence after his record-tying 61 cannot be underestimated. If he can find even half of Friday's magic, he could emerge as a serious threat. His fearless approach could be exactly what's needed to chase down the leaders.
The Matsuyama Factor
Hideki Matsuyama's weekend record speaks for itself. The Japanese star has won multiple times when trailing after 36 holes, and his calm demeanor under pressure makes him a dangerous floater. Don't be surprised if he's holding the trophy come Sunday evening.
Weekend Tee Times & Format
Saturday (Round 3): 7:15 AM local start, players tee off #1 in threesomes
Sunday (Final Round): 7:15 AM local start, final groups tee off around 1:20 PM
TV Coverage: Golf Channel (early rounds), CBS (weekend coverage from 2:00 PM ET)
Expert Predictions & Betting Insights
Favorites to Win
- Collin Morikawa (+650): Best value given his pedigree
- Andrew Putnam (+550): Co-leader with steady play
- Chris Kirk (+600): Veteran experience advantage
- Hideki Matsuyama (+800): Weekend warrior
Dark Horse Picks
- Jake Knapp (+1200): Momentum play after 61
- Jackson Suber (+1000): Young gun hungry for first win
- Ben Griffin (+1500): Consistent performer
- Luke Clanton (+2500): Amateur with nothing to lose
Scoring Prediction:
Winning score projected at -18 to -20. Course will continue to yield birdies with favorable conditions. Expect multiple players to reach -15 or better by Sunday's conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does weekend coverage begin?
A: Saturday coverage starts at 1:00 PM ET on Golf Channel, with CBS taking over at 2:00 PM ET for both weekend days. Early morning action available on PGA Tour Live.
Q: How significant is Jake Knapp's 61?
A: Knapp's 11-under 61 ties the Detroit Golf Club course record and matches the lowest round on tour this season. It's a career-defining performance that has positioned him as a serious contender.
Q: What are the weather expectations for the weekend?
A: Conditions look ideal with partly cloudy skies Saturday and sunshine Sunday. Temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s with manageable winds should continue to favor low scoring.
Q: Has anyone won from this far back at Detroit Golf Club?
A: Yes, Cam Davis won in 2024 after trailing by 4 shots entering the final round. The course's scoring nature means large comebacks are always possible with the right round.
Q: What's at stake beyond prize money?
A: The winner earns massive FedEx Cup points, world ranking points, and crucial exemptions including the Masters. For American players, it's also significant Ryder Cup consideration points.
Final Analysis & Championship Outlook
The 2025 Rocket Classic has delivered everything fans could hope for through 36 holes: a tight leaderboard, spectacular individual performances, and multiple compelling storylines heading into the weekend. The three-way tie at the top creates immediate drama, while the presence of proven winners like Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama ensures the pressure will be immense.
Jake Knapp's historic round has injected an additional layer of excitement into the proceedings. His fearless approach and supreme confidence could make him the X-factor that disrupts the expected narrative. Meanwhile, the depth of American talent on display bodes well for the upcoming Ryder Cup, with several players making strong cases for team consideration.
Championship Weekend Expectations
- Winning Score: Likely between -18 and -20, continuing the low-scoring trend
- Key Factor: Weekend putting performance will separate contenders from pretenders
- Weather Impact: Benign conditions should maintain scoring opportunities
- Pressure Points: Par-5s will be crucial for eagles and momentum shifts
- X-Factor: Player who handles Sunday pressure best will emerge victorious
With $1.728 million, major championship exemptions, and significant tour benefits on the line, this weekend promises to deliver championship-caliber drama worthy of the PGA Tour's finest traditions.
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