DETROIT – The 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic is set to go ahead as planned, despite air quality concerns in Michigan. Tournament officials confirmed this.
According to IQAir a Swiss company which monitors air pollution around the world, Detroit had the second worst air quality Wednesday morning. Detroit’s index score was 232 as of noon. This is considered “very unhealthy air”.
As with every PGA Tour event, a weather forecaster is on site, and the times can change depending on his predictions. At this time, there are no plans for the Rocket Mortgage Classic to be moved. The Detroit Community Days, the Delta Dental Pro-Am and other events will take place on Wednesday. The first round of the four-day tournament is scheduled to start at 6:45 am on Thursday. Ten of the 35 highest-ranked players in world are participating in this tournament.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has reached the American Midwest, causing air quality concerns. Chicago and Minneapolis, two nearby cities, ranked below Detroit. The cities of Chicago and Minneapolis, located nearby, ranked 3rd and 4th respectively. The cities rotate around the top four places, including Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Smoke lingered in the air around Metro Detroit on Wednesday. The smell of smoke was strong Tuesday at Detroit Golf Club, during the celebrity scramble.
The National Weather Service issued an alert on air quality as well as a dangerous weather forecast for Detroit. The alert states that “sensitive groups such as those with heart disease or lung disease (including severe asthma), children, and older adults, should limit heavy exercise and prolonged activity.”
Across the city, organizations have moved activities indoors or cancelled them entirely. The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that they would relocate their watch party to Little Caesars Arena before the NHL Draft’s first Round.
Smoke concentrations should decrease throughout the day.
