The Dow LPGA vs. The Rocket: Which one is better?

By Robert McIntyre

    Having coached both Boys’ and Girls’ teams, people generally ask the same questions. Are they very different? Are the girls less competitive? What are the differences in their game? 

    Then there is the most frequently asked question. Which do you like better? 

    I attended the Dow Championship (LPGA) on Thursday and Rocket Classic (PGA) on Saturday. It’s a hardship. Dow vs. Rocket, of course they are different. 

    Excellently different. 

    From the beginning both are incredibly well managed. From large operations to small details, top notch. The Rocket is just done on a much larger scale. Cameras, roaring crowds, corporate pavilions, and grandeur, the Rocket is extra. I did not say more. I said extra. 

    ‘More’ would indicate that the Dow is less, and it is not. Both are right sized. At the Rocket the format is stroke play. Simple. At the Dow, it took me a second to figure it out. I saw “#TeamUp” posted often. The players play as two member teams with alternating formats depending on the day. Thursday was alternating shot. Friday was going to be Best Ball (and so on). 

    Immediately I had the feeling of dread that this would be similar to LIV. You know, a carnival sideshow exhibition that insults golf purists. 

    Instead, I found an interesting and entertaining variety of strategic play in Midland. True, I am glad that most LPGA tournaments are stroke play. However, the #TeamUp format added a layer of optional spectator analysis. I for one appreciated it. 

    At the Rocket the men were putting on a long drive competition. It was great. Never on my best day could I come close. Aldrich Potgieter’s ball flight could have taken out low flying aircraft. Just crushing 310+ driver after driver, and hitting fairways. In the lead on Day 3 at 19-under par. Just awesome. 

    At the Dow, Gemma Dryburgh/Cassie Porter were leading after Day 1 with minus-4. Not with the drivers, but with smart iron play that we all should seek to emulate. Note: The “Kilted Koala’s” (that is their self given team name) did drive the green on 12. 

    As for star power and name recognition, I have to admit two things. First, I am not nearly as familiar with the LPGA as I am with the PGA. This ignorance allowed me to follow golfers without the bias of huge corporate sponsorship or media preference. Second, I entered the Rocket not caring for the field. However, it is a great tournament for up and coming players and that was proven. Aldrich Potgieter’s win at the age of 20 demonstrates that. 

    The Rocket catches some criticism based on the course and low scores. For example, the rough and par 5’s are weak for a PGA level professional. We all know this, including the players. This knowledge does force a shift in thinking. Every day players need to find -6 on the same course to be in the hunt. If you are -2 after 9 holes, where is the -4 coming with only 9 to play. There is no time to take the foot off the gas. 

    The team format at the Dow offers up different strategic challenges. Aggressive and defensive mindset alters based on format for the day, the strengths of a partner. 

    So, which one is “better”? It all depends. Are you following a specific player? Are you taking your children? How far do you live from each location? It all comes down to personal preference. 

    I would heavily encourage people to attend a PGA and LPGA event at least once. Make the comparison yourself. 

    As far as a preference for coaching Boys’ or Girls’ golf, of course I’m not going to answer that.

    Note: the author is the former head coach of the state championship Grosse Pointe South program for many years.