Birdies were flying in the first round of the 2025 Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. With afternoon thunderstorms skirting the area and little wind to speak off, players had their way with the Donald Ross design as the field scoring average came in at nearly three strokes under par in Round 1.

Potgieter, the 20-year-old South African who grew up in Australia, started at No. 10 and set a tournament record with a 7-under 29 on the back nine. Potgieter and the 35-year-old Roy each had an eagle and eight birdies in bogey-free rounds.