This week we have a brand new event on the Tour as the Rocket Mortgage Classic steps in to fill the gap left by the Quicken Loans National. It’s a new venue so this isn’t just a renaming and we therefore have a clean slate as we arrive at the Detroit Golf Club.
Last week saw us secure a top 10 finish payout at the Travelers Championship as the reliable Paul Casey came home in fifth so let’s see if we can build on a decent run as we head up to Michigan.
With so little time between the Majors this year we have a strong field and it’s led, as usual, by former World Number One Dustin Johnson (+550 with Bovada). DJ is some way clear of the chasing golfers but his form is absent right now.
His last two starts have produced a tie for 20th and a tie for 35th but with a few big names missing in Michigan, it could well be his week.
Some way behind our market leader is Rickie Fowler (+1200, 12/1) who is also struggling to find his best touch across four days. Rickie hasn’t produced a good return since a tie for second at the PGA National but we’re interested in what looks to be a good price for a player who should return to form soon.
Hideki Matsuyama (+1400) is close behind, as is the joint-second favorite and our most recent Major winner, Gary Woodland (+1200). The US Open Champion leads the Tour in ball striking and is third in Par 5 scoring and both of those stats could be significant this week.
On Sunday, Chez Reavie (+2500) closed out an impressive victory at the Travelers Championship and he has to be a contender in Detroit. Chez ranks first for fairways hit and arrives with five top 20s in his last six starts.
Beyond him in the Rocket Mortgage Classic betting odds are Billy Horschel (30/1), Brandt Snedeker (28/1) and Ryan Moore (28/1). Of those three, Moore looks the most interesting and despite his relatively long odds, the 36-year-old is as high as fifth in the Power Rankings.
The 2018 Masters Champion Patrick Reed (30/1) is no closer to a change in form despite an enforced change of club so we will move on from him. Kevin Kisner (33/1) may be a better option but there is some support for Kevin Streelman (45/1) who has some good, relevant statistics for this course.
Looking at some longshots in the odds, Joaquin Niemann (40/1) may well be worth following after impressing and finishing in a tie for 5th on Sunday. Other players getting a mention in places include Charley Hoffman (60/1), Sung-Jae Im (35/1), Bubba Watson (35/1) and Rory Sabbatini (50/1).
There’s definite potential for value this week but what will it take to win the first edition of the Rocket Mortgage Classic?
Our Preview’s Rocket Mortgage Classic Course & Betting Trends with Predictions & Picks Verdict
This is the first time that the Tour has returned to Detroit since the Buick Open in 2009 and we should see packed and lively crowds across the four days. The event will be played at the Detroit Golf Club which is a fairly lengthy par 72 at a fraction under 7,300 yards.
It’s a slightly unusual set up for the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The venue has two courses and the tournament will use 17 holes from the North Course and one from the South. We touched on Par 5 scoring and that will be useful at the 5th which is down at 635 yards, making it the second longest hole on Tour.
It seems clear that distance off the tee should also be an advantage but Greens in Regulation may be the priority. We have small greens set to run at around 12 on the Stimp and they’re protected by four inches of rough in places.
Calling a new tournament for the first time is never going to be easy but one name we keep coming back to is that of Rickie Fowler. His stats for the Rocket Mortgage Classic would usually be perfect and while that form is a concern, class is a permanent feature and it has to return some time.
In a mixed field, some players who are in touch should come through for a single digit finish. Expect Chez Reavie to maintain his run while Ryan Moore and Charley Hoffman also appeal as wagers for a top 10 finish with the USA online betting firms:
- Rickie Fowler to win @ +1200 (12/1) with Bovada.
- Ryan Moore (+275), Chez Reavie (+225) and Charley Hoffman (+600) for top 10 finishes, and all those odds are with Bovada.
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.