As the Rocket Mortgage Classic kicks off this week in Detroit, we look back at some notable PGA Tour stops that are no longer on the calendar in their original cities. The Rocket Mortgage Classic is the first Tour event held in Detroit, but of course pro golf has a long history in the state with the Buick Open. played at Warwick Hills for six decades.
Buick Open
Tiger Woods won the last Buick Open played at Warwick Hills in 2009. He also won the event in 2002 and 2006. Billy Mayfair shot a 61 in this tournament in 2001 and Woods did it in 2005.
Doral Open
Yes, we know the event became the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship. But take a minute to appreciate the Doral, which ran from 1962-2006. Jack Nicklaus won at the Blue Monster twice, as did Tiger Woods. Lee Trevino, Greg Norman, Ben Crenshaw and Raymond Floyd are among past champions. In 2016, the PGA Tour left Doral Country Club after Donald Trump bought the course in 2012. Among this event’s sponsors: Ford and the late Eastern Airlines.
Quicken Loans National
Not to be confused with the tournament being held this week in Detroit, the AT&T National became the Quicken Loans National, which was last played at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in 2018. Tiger Woods hosted the event in the Washington area, which paid tribute to active duty military members and veterans.
Western Open
Dating to 1899, 17 years before the start of the what is now known as the PGA Tour, the Western Open settled in the Chicago area after years of moving around the country and was later stationed at Cog Hill. Arnie, Jack, Hagen, Snead and Hogan are all among the list of past champions. It was played 103 times over 108 years and ended in 2006.
World Series of Golf
Firestone hosted the World Series of Golf, which started in 1962 as an exhibition played among the major champions. It became a regular event in 1976.
B.C. Open
In 1971 the tournament began as the Broome County Open before a shortened name change. The tournament’s longtime home was Broome County’s En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, NY.
Greater Milwaukee Open
In 1968 the Greater Milwaukee Open debuted opposite the British Open. Lee Trevino was a big get for the GMO, which gave $200,000 in total prize money, making it the second-richest in golf. Bo Van Pelt was the last winner of the event in 2009, which was called the U.S. Bank Championship.
New England Classic
Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass., was the longtime host of the tournament that hosted greats such as Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Ray Floyd and Paul Azinger. Steve Pate won the final tournament in 1998.
The International
The longtime tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado ended in 2006 after a 21-year run. It was the only PGA Tour event to feature the Modified Stableford Scoring System. Phil Mickelson and Davis Love III were two-time winners.
