Rocket Classic: Detroit Golf Club Shifts to Par 70 as Gotterup Eyes +1750 Odds

The Rocket Classic course undergoes a major renovation, converting holes 7 and 17 into par 4s to create a challenging par-70 layout.

The Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club features a significant structural shift this year, moving from a par 72 to a par 70. Renovations have specifically targeted holes No. 7 and No. 17, converting both former par 5s into long par 4s. This change eliminates two primary eagle and birdie opportunities for long hitters, forcing players to navigate the 22-under winning score from last year through a different tactical path. The restoration of Donald Ross contours and crowns on the greens further complicates the approach, as improper positioning now leads to difficult two-putts compared to the previously flat, receptive surfaces.

Chris Gotterup enters the field with +1750 odds to win and a balanced statistical profile suited for the new layout. Gotterup ranks first in strokes gained off the tee and sits within the top 10 for both approach and tee-to-green metrics. His power is a notable asset, ranking top 15 in driving distance, which has contributed to three consecutive top-20 finishes. This recent stretch includes a victory at TPC Deere Run. DraftKings currently lists Gotterup at -112 for a top-20 finish, +178 for a top-10, and +345 to place inside the top five.

Si Woo Kim Leads Birdie Opportunities

Si Woo Kim arrives at Detroit Golf Club with 19-1 odds to win, supported by four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. Kim is currently top five in strokes gained total, approach, and tee-to-green. Although he is not among the longest hitters on tour, he ranks in the top 10 for scoring on holes measuring 450-plus yards. This proficiency on long par 4s is expected to be a critical advantage on the newly lengthened 7th and 17th holes. Bettors can find Kim at -115 for a top-20 result, +178 for a top-10, and +355 for a top-five finish.

DFS Value and Fades

Ben Griffin presents a high-value DFS option at an $8,900 price point. Griffin leads the field as No. 1 in par-5 scoring and maintains an excellent ranking in strokes gained putting. While his birdie-or-better percentages are described as mediocre, his ability to gain strokes from tee-to-green makes him a reliable candidate for those prioritizing making the cut. His balanced game is expected to play well against the restored Ross greens where precision is paramount.

Conversely, Russell Henley is a recommended fade at a $9,200 salary despite his reputation as a reliable ball striker. Henley’s statistical profile reveals significant weaknesses for this specific setup, including a rank of 131st in driving distance and 123rd in par-5 scoring. Furthermore, he sits at 125th in birdie-or-better percentage, suggesting a lack of the explosive scoring necessary to justify his high fantasy price.

Impact of Donald Ross Green Restorations

The shift in course dynamics means mid-irons will likely replace wedges on several approach shots. The restoration of the greens ensures that being on the wrong side of a crown will result in a much harder par save. While the overall difficulty may not drastically increase from the 22-under-par benchmark, the emphasis moves toward elite ballstriking and long-iron accuracy. Players like Gotterup, who combine driving distance with top-10 approach play, are positioned to benefit from the removal of the two par-5 scoring holes.