Rocket Classic bets: Gotterup and Si Woo Kim backed after Detroit changes
ESPN’s Pamela Maldonado says Detroit Golf Club’s new par-70 setup changes the betting case for this year’s Rocket Classic.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The early Rocket Classic bets are getting a course-renovation twist, with ESPN sports betting analyst Pamela Maldonado pointing to Chris Gotterup and Si Woo Kim as players who fit the new-look Detroit Golf Club.
Maldonado wrote that the tournament course should play differently after changes turned Detroit Golf Club from a par 72 into a par 70. The key move: holes 7 and 17, previously par 5s, are now par 4s.
That matters because those holes had offered big hitters regular chances at birdies, and sometimes eagles, according to Maldonado. As longer par 4s, they may require more mid-iron shots into greens rather than short wedge approaches.
What changed at Detroit Golf Club for the Rocket Classic?
Detroit Golf Club’s biggest tournament change is the conversion of two par 5s into par 4s, lowering the scorecard par from 72 to 70. Maldonado also highlighted restored Donald Ross green contours, which could make putting tougher when players miss to the wrong side or leave themselves above the hole.
Maldonado said she does not necessarily expect a severe scoring squeeze after last year’s winning score reached 22 under. Her read is more about the route to winning: stronger long-iron play and precise ball striking may carry extra weight.
Why ESPN likes Chris Gotterup and Si Woo Kim
Gotterup is the splashiest fit in Maldonado’s picks because of the course changes. She listed him first off the tee, top 10 on approach and tee-to-green, and top 15 in driving distance.
His recent form is part of the case, too. Maldonado noted Gotterup has three straight top-20 finishes, including a victory at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run. She also described his profile as balanced across ball striking and putting.
DraftKings odds cited by ESPN had Gotterup at -112 for a top 20, +178 for a top 10, +345 for a top 5 and +1750 to win, with odds subject to change.
Kim also made Maldonado’s best-bets card. She wrote that he ranks top five in the field in strokes gained total, approach and tee-to-green, helping drive four top-10 finishes in his past six starts.
Kim is not framed as one of the longest players on tour, but Maldonado pointed to one statistic that lines up neatly with Detroit’s remodel: he ranks top 10 in scoring on par 4s of 450-plus yards. DraftKings numbers listed by ESPN had Kim at -115 for a top 20, +178 for a top 10, +355 for a top 5 and 19-1 to win.
Who is the DFS play and fade?
In daily fantasy, Maldonado recommended fading Russell Henley at $9,200. She called him a reliable ball striker but flagged his 131st ranking in driving distance, 123rd in par-5 scoring and 125th in birdie-or-better percentage as concerns for the price.
Her preferred DFS play is Ben Griffin at $8,900. Maldonado cited Griffin’s tee-to-green game, putting and No. 1 ranking in par-5 scoring, while saying his balanced skill set makes him a strong cut-making option.
All betting prices were attributed by ESPN to DraftKings and listed with ties, meaning payouts and prices can vary depending on market rules and later line movement.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.