Hollis emphasized Dalke's reach within the online golf community as a key factor in the selection.
"Brad has made a tremendous impact both on the course and through the way he connects with fans across different platforms," Hollis said.
The decision to invite content creators drew mixed responses from tour veterans, including Lake Orion native Tom Gillis, who spent decades competing on professional tours.
"I don't really care for it," Gillis said. "I know those two guys, they're both good players, I'm not saying that.
... And (Rocket) can do what they want.
... But I don't understand it.
I really don't."
Gillis noted the contrast between traditional qualification paths and modern sponsor exemptions.
"My son, Trevor, he's 20, he doesn't understand my take on it, but I don't think you understand all those years I labored all over the world trying to get into events.
... It's just a different platform and a world I don't understand that much," Gillis said.
Gillis reiterated his stance on field selection criteria for top-tier events.
"Holding a PGA Tour event, you should have tournament players, not content creators," Gillis said.
The tournament's remaining sponsor exemptions were awarded to Detroiter Joe Hooks, winner of the 2025 John Shippen Invitational, and Alabama golfer William Jennings, winner of the 2025 Folds of Honor Collegiate.
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Ruffels is scheduled to tee off Thursday morning, with Dalke scheduled for Thursday afternoon alongside Marco Penge and Luke Clanton.
