Rocket Classic Might Turn 18th Fairway Into a Fashion Runway

The Rocket Classic could look very different in 2026.

Under new tournament director Mark Hollis, the PGA Tour event is exploring a range of new fan experiences that would expand what tournament week looks like at Detroit Golf Club. One of the more eye-catching ideas being discussed: turning the 18th fairway into a fashion runway.

Hollis shared his thinking during a recent interview on WDIV Local 4, where he outlined a vision that blends golf with additional entertainment and lifestyle elements.

“We’re going to test some things here. It’s just my nature,” Hollis said. “There’s a swimming pool out there. There’s some fun things that you can do around each day with a variety of things that maybe not everybody, but some might like.”

Among the concepts being considered is a fashion show staged on the course itself.

“Yeah, maybe a fashion show down the 18th fairway,” Hollis said. “Those are ideas that we’re contemplating right now. There’s many more.”

The comments suggest the Rocket Classic is evaluating ways to broaden its appeal while maintaining its identity as a PGA Tour stop. Over the years, the tournament has steadily built out its off-course footprint, and Hollis’ approach points toward further experimentation.

His background offers some context. As former Michigan State athletic director, Hollis developed a national reputation for creative event presentation, including the aircraft carrier basketball game that drew international attention. That experience now informs how he is thinking about the Rocket Classic’s future.

In the WDIV interview, Hollis referenced several additional possibilities beyond a fashion show, including cigar lounges, casino-style nights, and expanded music programming.

“It could be a cigar lounge. It could be a casino night. There could be some more music that comes out,” he said.

The goal, according to Hollis, is not to force a single experience on every fan, but to create optional layers throughout tournament week.

“And as I throw these out, your listeners are going to send even more to you, and you’re going to share them with me,” Hollis said.

That feedback loop may ultimately shape which ideas become reality. While none of the concepts have been finalized, the direction signals a willingness to reimagine how fans interact with a professional golf event.

For Detroit, the idea of blending golf with fashion, music, and culture aligns with the city’s broader creative identity. As planning continues for the 2026 Rocket Classic, the 18th fairway may soon represent more than just the final hole. It could also become a stage.