The John Shippen Invitational gave golf enthusiasts a preview of the Detroit Golf Club just before the upcoming Rocket Mortgage Classic.
According to Sommer Woods, lead and co-founder of The John Shippen Invitational, the event aims to showcase Black professionals and amateurs in the golfing world. Woods highlights the significance of John Shippen in paving the way for Black golfers and emphasizes the importance of creating an event that the community can take pride in.
The first day of the invitational allowed golfers to experience the course by playing 27 holes on Saturday. However, attention shifted to Sunday, where the focus was on the final nine holes. Play concluded around 11 a.m. due to the impending storms in the Detroit area later in the day.
Chase Johnson, a 27-year-old professional from Barberton, Ohio, emerged as the winner, earning the prestigious John Shippen Trophy. Going into Sunday’s play tied for first, Johnson secured the victory with an impressive 9-under par performance.
As a result of his triumph, Johnson received an exemption to participate in the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club this week. Excited about the opportunity, Johnson looks forward to testing his skills against some familiar faces and learning from the best in the world.
While shifting his focus to the upcoming Classic, Johnson plans to savor his victory in the Motor City. He intends to take some time to relax, enjoy the day, and refrain from intense practice rounds during the week. Instead, he aims to stay in the moment, possibly catch a Tigers game, and appreciate his accomplishment.
