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Rocket Classic Course Changes Favor Gotterup, Kim

ESPN General •
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The Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club features significant renovations, converting the course from par-72 to par 70 by changing holes No. 7 and 17 from par 5s to par 4s. The restoration of Donald Ross greens adds crowned contours, penalizing missed approaches. Last year's winning score was 22 under, and while the course may not play harder, the path to victory shifts toward elite ballstriking on long par 4s.

Si Woo Kim is the top betting target at 19-1 to win. He ranks top five in strokes gained total, approach, and tee-to-green, with four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. Kim excels on holes 450-plus yards, ranking top 10 in scoring, making the converted par 4s a distinct advantage for his iron play.

Chris Gotterup at +1750 presents the most balanced profile. He leads the tour in strokes gained off the tee, ranks top 10 on approach and tee-to-green, and sits top 15 in driving distance. With three straight top-20 finishes including a win at TPC Deere Run, Gotterup has no weaknesses exposed by the renovated layout.

For DFS, fade Russell Henley ($9,200) due to poor driving distance (131st) and par-5 scoring (123rd). Play Ben Griffin ($8,900), who leads the tour in par-5 scoring and offers elite tee-to-green play with strong putting.