The Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club should look a bit different this year. After renovations, the biggest change is in how they converted a par-72 course into a par 70.
Holes No. 7 and 17 were changed from par 5s to par 4s, removing two holes where bombers could expect birdie or even eagle chances every round. Now playing as longer par 4s, that will be a huge swing over four rounds. We could now see more mid-irons into greens rather than wedges.
The restoration of the Donald Ross greens is also an important factor. The old version of this course was good for wedge play because the greens were relatively flat and receptive. Restoring Ross contours and crowns means that if you’re on the wrong side or end up above the hole, you’ve created a much more difficult two-putt.
Considering the winning score last year was 22 under, I don’t necessarily see this course being “harder,” but the path to winning could be slightly different.
Odds by DraftKings
(with ties) and subject to change.
Best bets
Si Woo Kim
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Top 20 -115
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Top 10 +178
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Top 5 +355
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To win 19-1
Nobody in this field is creating birdie opportunities better than Si Woo. He’s top five in strokes gained total, on approach and tee-to-green, which fueled four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. The Detroit Golf Club renovation shouldn’t diminish his upside, because elite ballstriking will still be key for success.
While Kim isn’t one of the tour’s longest hitters, he excels on longer par 4s, ranking top 10 in scoring on holes from 450-plus yards out. With two former par 5s now playing as long par 4s, that tool becomes even more valuable, giving Kim more opportunities to separate with his iron play.
Chris Gotterup
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Top 20 -112
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Top 10 +178
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Top 5 +345
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To win +1750
The converted holes reward players who can gain strokes off the tee while still hitting quality long and mid-irons. Gotterup is first off the tee, top 10 on approach and from tee-to-green and more importantly, he is top 15 in driving distance. With three straight top 20s, including a win at TPC Deere Run, Gotterup is solid overall: ballstriking and putting. There’s no weakness he has that could come into play on the holes that were made more difficult. This is the most balanced fit profile for this course.
DFS advice
Fade: Russell Henley ($9,200)
He’s one of the tour’s most reliable ball strikers, but this doesn’t feel like the ideal setup for his fantasy ceiling. Even with the course changes emphasizing approach, Henley is still 131st in driving distance, 123rd in par-5 scoring and 125th in birdie-or-better percentage; major red marks to his stock. Lacking the explosive scoring at a similar price than others who would be a better fit would simply be overspending.
Play: Ben Griffin ($8,900)
This is one of the better values. Griffin is excellent from tee-to-green, a great putter and No. 1 in par-5 scoring. His mediocre birdie-or-better numbers matter less while his balanced games become more valuable, making him a strong option if you’re prioritizing making the cut.
