DETROIT — There's something about this area that seems to suit Troy Merritt, and his cousin, too.

Merritt is back up near the top of the leaderboard at the Rocket Mortgage Classic after firing an 8-under 64 in Friday's second round. He was two shots back of leaders Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai at the halfway point. Merritt has four top-17 finishes at the Rocket, including a tie for second in 2021, when he lost to eventual champion Cam Davis in the tournament's first playoff, which went five holes.

Less than three miles away from Detroit Golf Club, Merritt's cousin (by marriage), Kate Achter, has found her groove here, as the third-year head women's basketball coach at Detroit Mercy. She took over a program that was in absolute shambles, and this past year posted a winning record.

After Friday's round, The Detroit News asked Merritt who had the tougher job in sports: Himself or Achter. No contest.

"She has to deal with the whole team, with a lot of different game styles and personalities and the whole coaching staff and deal with administration and fans. And I've just got to deal with my idiot caddie. It's pretty easy," Merritt said with a smile. "She's done a fantastic job. Very proud of her.

"There was, what, five total wins the (three) years before she got here, and then five wins (in her first year) and then 17 last year? We follow her closely. It's a lot of fun."

So here's how the relationship works. Kate's dad is Roger Achter, whose brother is Tim Achter, whose daughter is Courtney, who married Merritt.

Achter got a leaderboard update after practice at Calihan Hall on Friday.

"I just got off the floor," she said. "I freaking love to hear that."

Achter and her family plan to be out at DGC on Sunday, as Merritt goes for another good finish, and perhaps a win, at the Rocket. Besides the playoff, he tied for eighth here in 2020, 14th in 2022 and 17th last year.

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