The Rocket Mortgage Classic is back for its sixth edition, with the mortgage giant committed as a sponsor through 2027. That’s a big win for the PGA Tour, especially when securing long-term sponsors is such a challenge.

 

 

 

Held annually at the historic Detroit Golf Club since 2019, this tournament has quickly earned a reputation for birdie-fests. The club, dating back to 1899, boasts two 18-hole courses designed by Donald Ross, completed in 1916. Despite the vintage setting, the play has been anything but old-fashioned.

Rocket Mortgage Classic 2024

Nate Lashley kicked things off in 2019 with a 25-under par win, followed by Bryson DeChambeau's 23-under in 2020. Cam Davis took a more modest 18-under in 2021, but Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler brought the scores back down with 26-under and 24-under wins in the last two years.

Cut lines have been competitive, hovering around 4-under, showcasing the course's scoring potential. Beyond the thrilling golf, the tournament supports Detroit's "Changing the Course" initiative, helping bridge the digital divide in the local community.

In short, the Rocket Mortgage Classic combines exciting golf, historic charm, and meaningful community impact, making it a highlight of the PGA Tour. So, what do our PGA DFS picks have in store?

 

 

 

Detroit Golf Club: Course Breakdown

Detroit Golf Club just hit 125 years old! Founded in 1899 just outside downtown Detroit, it started as a place for the elite during an economic boom. Originally, it had a modest six-hole course, but it grew in popularity, and by 1916, famed architect Donald Ross had designed two 18-hole courses, the North and South. The North course, known for its challenging layout and classic Ross greens, has always been a favorite.

This event has quickly become a must-watch on the PGA Tour, famous for its low-scoring birdie-fests. They play on a composite course mainly from the North Course, with one hole from the South Course mixed in.

The course is a 7,370-yard par 72, which is short by PGA Tour standards but perfect for aggressive play. The wide fairways mean players can use their drivers a lot, leading to many wedge shots into greens. Last year, 58% of approach shots were from within 175 yards, and over 25% were from inside 125 yards.

The greens are tricky, with several tiers and undulations, but not as brutal as Pinehurst No. 2. The fairways are super wide, encouraging a "bomb and gauge" approach. Past winners like DeChambeau and Finau have thrived with this strategy. The rough is manageable, and there's only one water hazard to worry about.

Scoring here is typically easy, making it one of the simplest courses on the Tour. Success often comes down to Strokes Gained: Putting, as shown by Rickie Fowler’s win last year. Long hitters have a clear advantage, with driving distance playing a big role in topping the leaderboard.

All in all, the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club is a thrilling, low-scoring event that rewards aggressive play, making it a standout on the PGA Tour.

 

 

 

2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic Field

Rickie Fowler is back to defend his title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic after breaking his win drought last year. If he wins again, he'd be the first back-to-back champ in the tournament’s short history. Cameron Young, fresh off a 59 at the Travelers Championship, returns to Detroit after finishing runner-up in 2022.

Michael Thorbjornsen, who topped the PGA TOUR University ranking, will make his second pro start after a solid debut at the Travelers. Tom Kim is looking to improve after missing the cut in Detroit last year but has two top-10s in his last four starts. Will Zalatoris, returning after back surgery, has made 11 of 15 cuts this season and will tee up in Detroit again.

Min Woo Lee, aiming for the Presidents Cup team, makes his Detroit debut after a strong season. Other notable players include Jake Knapp, Nick Dunlap, Akshay Bhatia, Stephan Jaeger, and Taylor Pendrith.

Next-gen stars include Miles Russell, making his PGA TOUR debut at just 15, and Auburn's Jackson Koivun, who swept college golf’s top awards. Neal Shipley and Luke Clanton, both standout amateurs, will also compete. Willie Mack III earned his spot by winning the John Shippen Invitational, while Jason Dufner and Jimmy Walker received sponsor invites.

 

 

 

PGA Stats To Know: 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

Strokes Gained: Approach - Targets

  • Patton Kizzire - 6th on Tour
  • Aaron Rai - 7th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 9th on Tour
  • Greyson Sigg - 12th on Tour
  • Daniel Berger - 14th on Tour

Strokes Gained: Putting - Targets

  • Aaron Baddeley - 3rd on Tour
  • Taylor Pendrith - 4th on Tour
  • Beau Hossler - 6th on Tour
  • Justin Suh - 9th on Tour
  • Tyson Alexander - 14th on Tour

Birdie or Better Percentage - Targets

  • Michael Kim - 6th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 9th on Tour
  • Nick Dunlap - 14th on Tour
  • Matt Wallace - 16th on Tour
  • Patton Kizzire - 18th on Tour

Best Course History

  • Rickie Fowler - 1 Win & 12th (4 of 5 Cuts)
  • Cameron Davis - 1 Win & 2 Top 20s (3 of 3 Cuts)
  • Taylor Moore - 4th & 6th (2 of 2 Cuts)
  • Taylor Pendrith - 2nd & 14th (2 of 2 Cuts)
  • Alex Noren - 4th & 9th (2 of 3 Cuts)

My Best Bets (32-59 Overall, -7.00 Units)

  • Matt Wallace: Top 20 (+250)
  • Chris Kirk: Top 20 (+260)
  • Troy Merritt: Top 30 (+260)
  • Webb Simpson: Top 40 (+135)
  • Patton Kizzire: Top 40 (+230)

One & Done Play

  • Taylor Pendrith

 

 

 

PGA DFS Picks: Rocket Mortgage Classic 2024

Top-Price DFS 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

Tom Kim ($11,000)

Tom Kim is on fire right now and is definitely one to watch at Detroit Golf Club, where he finished T7 two years ago. He just lost to Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the Travelers Championship, gaining a career-high 10.4 strokes from tee to green, the best in the field. Kim has made 10 cuts in a row, with seven top-30 finishes. He had a T4 at the RBC Canadian Open earlier this month and was runner-up last week.

Kim won his first PGA TOUR title by five shots at Sedgefield Country Club, another Donald Ross design, during the 2022 Wyndham Championship. He’s been gaining strokes on approach and with his putter in three of his past four starts, which sets him up perfectly for Detroit Golf Club. This course is all about second shots, and three of the five winners have finished top 14 in both SG: Approach and SG: Putting.

At just 21, Tom Kim, born Joohyung Kim, has already made a big splash on the PGA Tour. Born in Seoul and raised in Australia, he turned pro at 17. He loves watching soccer and playing video games. Keep an eye on him this week—he's in top form and ready to shine.

Akshay Bhatia ($9,800)

Akshay Bhatia is making a big impact in elite golf circles. Recently, he shot 18-under to tie for fifth at the Travelers Championship and earlier clinched a 20-under victory at the Valero Texas Open. He’s dominating the stats too, leading in SG: Tee-to-Green and ranking in the top 12 across the board. At just 22 years old, he’s reached a career-high 29th in the Official World Golf Ranking, a testament to his standout season.

Born in California, Bhatia turned pro in 2019 after a stellar amateur career, including two AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year titles. Known for his aggressive play and strong iron game, he quickly ascended through the Korn Ferry Tour ranks. Off the course, he enjoys basketball and staying fit.

With his consistent performance and growing confidence, Bhatia is one to watch. His ability to compete at a high level and consistently post low scores makes him a formidable presence in any tournament. Keep an eye on Bhatia—he’s primed for continued success on the PGA Tour.

Taylor Pendrith ($9,600)

Taylor Pendrith thrives on bentgrass birdie-fests. He won earlier this season at TPC Craig Ranch and has a runner-up and 14th-place finish at Detroit Golf Club. With his power off the tee and newfound prowess as a putter, he's got the perfect formula for success here.

Pendrith, born in Ontario, Canada, turned pro in 2014 after playing college golf at Kent State University. Known for his big drives, he quickly made waves on the PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour before earning his PGA Tour card. When he's not on the course, Pendrith loves fishing, spending time with his family, and cheering on hockey—classic Canadian hobbies!

With his game in top form, Pendrith is a strong contender this week. His past performances at Detroit Golf Club show he knows how to handle this course, and his current confidence suggests he's ready for another stellar finish. Keep an eye on him—he's got the power and putting skills to make a big impact.

 

 

 

Mid-Price DFS 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic Picks

Maverick McNealy ($8,900)

Man, I was pleasantly surprised by McNealy's price this week; I'd have snapped him up even at $9,000. He's got to be one of the best putters in this whole field. Did you see him at the Canadian Open? Solid ball-striking, gaining 2.5 strokes on approach—that's no joke. I'm telling you, his breakthrough win is right around the corner, especially with Detroit Golf Club's setup fitting his game so well.

McNealy, the Stanford guy, turned pro back in 2017 after killing it in the amateur scene. Smooth on the greens and always steady with his approach play, he's been climbing the PGA Tour ladder. Off the course, he's all about tech and startups, keeping that Stanford spirit alive.

Watch out for McNealy—he's got the putting game and the form to pull off a big win. Detroit Golf Club is going to play to his strengths with its focus on precision and putting. I'm rooting for him to break through and grab that first PGA Tour trophy soon.

Keith Mitchell ($8,500)

Keith Mitchell has been pretty consistent on the PGA Tour this season, landing in the top-25 in half of his 16 starts. It's kind of funny though—he's killer off the tee and with his approach shots, ranking in the top-10 for both, but when it comes to putting, he's way down at 144th. Like, what's up with that? Despite the putting struggle, he still manages to average a solid number of birdies, sitting at 11th in birdie average.

Mitchell's best finishes so far have been a couple of ties for ninth, but he hit 16-under to tie for 20th at the Byron Nelson recently. Off the course, he's a Georgia Bulldog at heart, loving college football and the outdoors.

With his big drives and solid iron play, Mitchell's got the game to win—it's just a matter of getting that putter to cooperate. Keep an eye on him; if he can smooth out his putting woes, he'll be a serious contender for a PGA Tour title soon.

Matt Wallace ($7,400)

Matt Wallace is seriously a steal this week with how he’s been playing. After a solid 15th at the KLM Open, he’s showing he’s in good shape. Wallace has crushed it at Detroit Golf Club too, landing two top-12 finishes in just three tries. Plus, earlier this year, he nailed a top-five at TPC Craig Ranch, showing he can hang tough in strong fields.

He’s known for his fiery competitiveness and clutch putting skills, turning pro back in 2012 and making waves on the European Tour. Wallace brings that intensity to every round.

With his recent form and history at Detroit Golf Club, Wallace could really light it up again. This week’s all about low scores, and he’s got the grit to grind it out. Keep an eye on Wallace—he’s set up to make some serious noise.

 

 

 

Value-Price DFS 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic Picks

Luke Clanton ($7,000)

Luke Clanton, a college student getting his second shot on the PGA Tour, is getting some surprisingly high DFS and low betting odds. He turned heads by qualifying and grabbing 41st place at the U.S. Open just two weeks ago—a solid showing for a 20-year-old. But switching to an easier course like this doesn't guarantee the same results.

Hailing from South Carolina, Clanton's been a rising star in amateur golf, racking up wins in junior and college tournaments. His play at the U.S. Open proved he can hang tough, but every tournament's a new game.

As he kicks off his pro career, everyone's watching to see how Clanton handles the pressure and adjusts to the tour life. With his promising start and youthful drive, he's definitely one to keep an eye on as he makes his mark on the PGA Tour. to grind it out. Keep an eye on Wallace—he’s set up to make some serious noise.

Thorbjorn Olesen ($6,900)

Thorbjorn Olesen, already bagging a win this year on the DP World Tour, is quietly having a solid season. He just came 27th at the Canadian Open, gaining over 3.5 strokes on approach and putting—pretty impressive stuff. This week, he's got the exact skills I'm looking for.

Originally from Denmark, Olesen turned pro back in 2008 and he's known for being steady across the board. He nails those approach shots and sinks crucial putts when it counts.

With his game dialed in and suited for what Detroit Golf Club demands, Olesen's looking primed for another strong run. Keep tabs on him—he's shown he can hang with the best and might just surprise us this week.

Neal Shipley ($6,300)

It’s hard to not notice this guy from his look to his phenomenal performances at the Masters and U.S. Open. He’s one of the few players who made the cut at both events. He grabbed low amateur honors in both tournaments. Just last week, he went pro and snagged a solid top-ten finish at a PGA Tour Americas event in Vancouver.

Hailing from Ohio and a former Ohio State Buckeye, Shipley's got that Midwest pride going for him. Fans are going to root for him hard, even though we're in Michigan now.

Keep an eye on Shipley—he's making a smooth transition to the pros and has already shown he can handle the big stage. It'll be fun watching him as he kicks off his PGA Tour journey.

 

Player Pool

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