Former Michigan State Athletic Director Mark Hollis Named Tournament Director of the Rocket Classic

The Rocket Classic has named Mark Hollis as its new tournament director, bringing one of the most respected and innovative sports executives in Michigan history into a key leadership role for Detroit’s PGA Tour event.

Hollis is best known for his tenure as athletic director at Michigan State University, where he earned a national reputation for creativity, forward thinking, and a willingness to rethink how sports are presented and experienced. His resume includes some of the most talked about event concepts in college athletics, including the 2011 Michigan State versus North Carolina basketball game played aboard an aircraft carrier, a first of its kind moment that blended sport, spectacle, and storytelling.

That same mindset now comes to the Rocket Classic at a meaningful time for the tournament. As the PGA Tour landscape continues to evolve, the Rocket Classic remains one of the few events staged within the limits of a major American city. Hollis’ background in large scale event execution, media strategy, and fan engagement positions him well to help guide the tournament forward.

Beyond Michigan State, Hollis has spent years working across sports media and event production, building a reputation as a strategic thinker who understands both competition and presentation. His appointment signals an emphasis on leadership with experience, credibility, and a broader vision for what a modern professional golf event can be.

For Detroit and Michigan golf fans, the move represents stability and opportunity. The Rocket Classic has grown into a staple of the summer sports calendar, and Hollis’ involvement adds another respected Michigan voice to its future direction.

The upcoming editions of the Rocket Classic will offer an early look at how Hollis applies his innovative approach to professional golf. For a tournament that already holds a unique place on the PGA Tour schedule, his leadership brings renewed optimism and a steady hand at the helm.