General | June 22, 2026 | 9:15
On Monday, June 8, the 6th Annual GameAbove Detroit Sports Commission Golf Classic returned to Oakland Hills Country Club, highlighting the Detroit Sports Commission's impact and the essential role sports play in promoting economic vitality, civic pride, and national recognition for the region. With a high of 85 degrees and blue skies, sports, civic, and business leaders gathered for some championship golf and to celebrate 25 years of the Detroit Sports Commission.
For the second consecutive year, GameAbove served as the title sponsor of the Golf Classic, reinforcing its support for the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) and its commitment to Detroit's growth as a premier sports destination. This privately held global investment company, which has strong ties to the Detroit region, invests globally in carefully selected sports teams and initiatives through its sports division, GameAbove Sports, serving as a strategic partner focused on advancing the future of sports excellence.
"We're super excited to be here with the Detroit Sports Commission," said Jordan Young, Global Golf Director of GameAbove. "We were here last year as well as the title sponsor, and to be here at this epic facility, all the history, just super excited to be here and to celebrate sports around Detroit and certainly golf."
This year marks the next chapter for the Oakland Hills Country Club with the opening of its new clubhouse. Featuring a timeless American design characterized by a ten-pillared veranda and elegant white wood siding, the clubhouse restores the presence of one of golf's greatest venues.
"This iconic building stands again as a reflection of our membership's pride and commitment and reestablishes Oakland Hills as one of the finest clubs in the world," Club President Michael G. Costello.
The history of the clubhouse unfolds at every turn, showcasing over 450 framed photographs and pieces of artwork, along with 26 display cases integrated into the steel frame. Each display offers a glimpse into every championship held at Oakland Hills over the past century, at every era, as well as spaces reserved for future champions.
In addition to touring the newly opened clubhouse, guests were able to meet and network with media personalities, top executives, and community leaders during the event while enjoying some friendly competition on the golf course.
"This is our biggest relationship-driven event, and it is an opportunity for us to come together at the Golf Classic," said Marty Dobek, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission. "There is no better setting than the Oakland Hills Country Club to really tell our story, but also about the wins of the past years and what's coming. All fueling what these events mean to the community from an economic standpoint and a community impact standpoint."
After competing on the historic South Course, participants were welcomed inside to enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner reception, being able to network with those in attendance and participate in a silent auction featuring signed sports memorabilia from some of Detroit's and the state of Michigan's best athletes and coaches.
"The event is about golf, but it is also about community, opportunity, and showcasing everything that makes this region so special," shared Kevin Dietz, host of All Talk With Kevin Dietz on WRJ.
The Golf Classic, along with other events hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission, helps fund the DSC's Living Legacy Initiative.
"We have an awesome community impact piece that's really centered around our Living Legacy Initiative that is really focused on youth and education literacy and youth sports and girls in sports and how we can get the future generations participating in sports and getting them more active," Dobek said.
Since its induction in 2024 alongside Detroit's NFL Draft, the DSC has helped raise more than $1.7 million to support community programs in southeast Michigan, ensuring the impact of major sporting events extends beyond stadiums and city limits.
Looking ahead, the Detroit Sports Commission is in full swing to host next year's NCAA® Men's Final Four®. After winning the bid to host the historic tournament in 2022, the countdown begins as it is less than 300 days away from tip-off.
Discussing DSC's future following the Final Four, Dave Beachnau, CEO of the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four, said, "Continuing to shape the perception of our community and our region is critically important to our future's success, and I think that is going to happen next year."
Following the Final Four, other major events the DSC will be hosting include the 2028 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament and the 2028 NCAA Midwest Regional at Little Caesars Arena.
Alongside GameAbove, partners for this year's DSC Golf Classic include presenting sponsors Kapnick Insurance and DTE, food and beverage sponsors Meijer and MGM Grand, media partners WJR and 97.1 The Ticket/Audacy, and production partner Dietz Sports and Entertainment.
