Rocket Classic picks 2026: This big-hitting rookie should fare well in Detroit

We’re back on the board (!), all thanks to our rookie expert panelist, Ryan Noonan, who cashed on Jackson Koivun’s maiden victory at the 3M Open last week. Plus, he hit a 7-1 top-10 bet on Emiliano Grillo, too. When you’re hot, you’re hot.

Let’s keep it rolling in Detroit, where a surprisingly strong field is showing up to take on the renovated Detroit Golf Club. Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup lead the way, while Koivun looks to go back-to-back (one of our experts think he might … wink wink).

The Golf Digest betting panel is comprised of Pat Mayo of Underdog/Mayo Media Network, Andy Lack of the Inside Sports Network, Ryan Noonan of Betsperts, your two authors and Keith Stewart, the CEO of Read The Line.

RELATED: 2026 Rocket Classic tee times, TV coverage, viewer’s guide

Scroll down for our complete betting analysis of the 2026 Rocket Classic:

Rocket Classic picks 2026: Our Experts’ Outright Predictions

Pat Mayo, Underdog/Fantasy National, Mayo Media Network analyst: Xander Schauffele (20-1, BetMGM) — It’s not much how he’s played, more of who he’s played against. Nothing really points to Xander trending to a victory in his stats, yet I keep looking at his prices and it’s now bigger than it was at the Masters. While this field is stronger than expected, it’s not exactly the entire Augusta contingent in Detroit. His talent alone makes him very attractive at this number.

Keith Stewart, PGA, Read The Line: Si Woo Kim (22-1, BetMGM) — At some point, Si Woo Kim will be rewarded for all his exceptional play. Back-to-back top 10s across the Atlantic, Kim has gained strokes on the field tee-to-green in 18 of 20 starts (and the last seven in a row). Ranked first in the field on approach over the last 20 rounds and sixth in birdie-or-better percentage, Si Woo will score. New greens only increase Kim’s advantage. His proximity to the hole from short and long range is exemplary, and Si Woo’s around-the-green acumen helps him score. Four top 10s in his last six starts; this shootout has Si Woo written all over it.

Ryan Noonan, Content Manager 4for4/Betsperts: Jackson Koivun (20-1, BetMGM) — I have a two-man outright card this week with Cameron Young and Jackson Koivun, but let’s call our shot right here with the kid going back-to-back. Koivun’s yet to finish outside the top 10 in total driving in his 13 measured PGA Tour starts to date, per Betsperts Golf. Pair that with an average of 0.52 strokes gained on approach and nearly a full stroke putting (+0.93 per round), and here we are. And we’re going to be here for a very long time.

Stephen Hennessey, Golf Digest managing editor: Michael Thorbjornsen (45-1, BetMGM) — It’s time for another youngster’s coming-out party. The 24-year-old was T-4 here at the Rocket Classic last year and comes in with strong ball-striking numbers, ranking 16th in strokes gained/tee to green over the past six months. He was T-7 in Scotland—he’s trending for the long-awaited breakout. Christopher Powers, Golf Digest senior writer: Ryan Gerard (40-1, DraftKings) — Gerard started off the year scorching hot, went through a meh stretch and appears he’s back in form again. His approach numbers have remained elite all year and his off the tee game is plenty good enough to contend at this golf course. With Presidents Cup chatter starting to heat up, Gerard remains just on the outside looking in. A maiden victory would change that conversation quickly. Andy Lack, Inside Sports Network: Ben Griffin (33-1, FanDuel) — Ben Griffin is definitely playing better than his results would suggest, and he gained four strokes ball-striking in his last start at the Open Championship. He already has three solid finishes at Detroit Golf Club, and won at Colonial in the second year after a renovation, another course featuring brand new, firmer greens.

Past results: We have our FIFTH winner of 2026, brought to you by none other than our newest panelist, Ryan Noonan, who correctly selected Jackson Koivun at 36-1 to win the 3M Open. That gives Noonan FOUR wins by himself this year. Not bad for the new guy!

Listen to Golf Digest’s weekly betting podcast, “The Loop,” (below) where we interview the industry’s leading experts (and sometimes tour pros) to help you make your bets and pick your fantasy lineups. And be sure to subscribe to “The Loop” wherever you get your podcasts!

Rocket Classic picks 2026: Sleepers/Dark Horses Who Could Win

Mayo: Johnny Keefer (96-1, DraftKings) — Despite a tough go in Minnesota, Keefer has been cleaning up at this style of course: Mash it anywhere you want off the tee and use the approach game to pepper GIRs. Pray to make some putts. Other courses with a similar strategy include Scotland, Houston, CJ Cup, and Torrey Pines. Keefer’s results in those events: T-3/T-3/T-9/T-43. Just pray he keeps his putter hot. Stewart: Davis Thompson (61-1, DraftKings) — Fresh off a T-7 at the 3M Open, Davis Thompson fits the mold of a solid Rocket Classic contender. Thompson gained 11 strokes on the field tee-to-green in Minnesota. A past champion at the John Deere, Davis has proven he can win a regular season event. Generally, a below average putter on tour, Thompson has gained strokes throughout his starts at Detroit Golf Club. In four entries, Davis has gained an average of five strokes (SG/total) on the field and finished runner-up here in 2024. Noonan: Zac Blair (150-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — I don’t think Zac Blair is going to win this event, but he’s mispriced as an outright. That price trickles down into the finishing position derivatives, making Blair a solid look to top-20 or top-40. He’ll always lose a bit to the field off the tee due to his lack of distance, but he’s flushing it right now and running hot with the putter, finishing no worse than T-13 over his past three starts.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Johnny Keefer (96-1, DraftKings) — The 2025 KFT Player of the Year is starting to contend more often. He was a factor deep into Sunday in Scotland, and I love his stats for Detroit Golf Club—top 20 in SG/off the tee and approach over the past 36 rounds, plus being top 10 in driving distance. Just avoid chipping disasters, and we should be contending again. Powers, Golf Digest: Jackson Suber (80-1, DraftKings) — It appears Suber finally cooled off with a missed cut at the 3M last week, but his iron play did not. He gained on approach for the eighth time in his last nine starts, and he comes in having finished T-6 or better three times in that stretch. Speaking of T-6s, Suber tied for sixth in his first and only start in this tournament a year ago. Lack: Keegan Bradley (60-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Keegan Bradley has simply not gotten a lot out of his play this year, but I expect that to turn around this week. The former Ryder Cup captain has a solid resume at Detroit Golf Club, and the added challenge after the renovation should only be viewed as a positive for his course fit.

RELATED: Jackson Koivun’s Presidents Cup case isn’t complicated

Rocket Classic picks 2026: Players We’re Fading

Mayo: Ben Griffin (25-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Sure, he’s playing better, but there just happens to be an entire collection of players slightly behind on the odds board playing even better at the moment. Stewart: Patrick Cantlay (24-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Model bettors are going to see Patrick Cantlay pop on their reports. The course history is good, and the approach play has been solid. With eight top 20s this year in 16 starts, it is tough to pinpoint why Cantlay does not contend. Coupled with two missed cuts in his last four starts, there are plenty of better picks than Patrick at the top of this odds board.

Noonan: Marco Penge (64-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Marco Penge feasts on par 5s, and with the redesign of Detroit Golf Club eliminating two easy par 5s and transitioning them to long par 4s, it steals two scoring chances from the Englishman. That’s enough for me to stay away from a name I’ve seen a lot in the past two days. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Patrick Cantlay (22-1, BetSperts) — Sure, he might be playing better golf, but the guy doesn’t have a top five in 2026. Powers, Golf Digest: Joe Hooks (2000-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — The Detroit native has gotten another sponsor exemption and should have the hometown crowd in his favor. Won’t be quite enough to get him over the hump, though. Lack: Hideki Matsuyama (30-1, FanDuel) — It’s not that I think Detroit Golf Club is a bad golf course for Hideki Matsuyama, but his stat line last week at the 3M Open was puzzling. Hideki lost over three strokes on approach and gained over eight strokes around the green. While the around the green spike is certainly unsustainable, I would prefer to see Hideki in stronger approach form.

Rocket Classic picks 2026: Matchups

Mayo: Michael Brennan (-110) over Harris English (Coolbet) — Even though he blows up on Sundays, at least Brennan is making cuts. Stewart: Michael Brennan (-110) over Harris English (Bet365) — Harris English has missed three cuts in his last four starts, and the made cut was a T-38 in a no-cut event. Normally a positive putter, the SG/ Flatstick has gone away. Michael Brennan is coming into form at a perfect time. Well suited for TPC Twin Cities and Detroit Golf Club, Brennan’s driver will give him a huge edge on the competition. In a shoot-out that doesn’t require a ton of accuracy, I’ll take the bomber who has been making birdies. Noonan: Russell Henley (-102) over Ben Griffin (Pinnacle) — Despite the lack of distance, I was surprised to see that Russell Henley leads the field in SG/par 4s of 500+ yards at +0.29 strokes per round. We have four of them this week, which is an edge for Henley, particularly against Griffin who’s another elite Par 5 scorer that’s fairly average on Par 4s. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Michael Brennan (-110) over Harris English (Bet365) — All aboard the Brennan train. English’s history here is very pedestrian, a missed cut and a T-55, and he’s coming off three MCs in his past four starts.

Powers, Golf Digest: Michael Brennan (-118) over Jordan Spieth (DraftKings) — You could talk me into betting anyone in a H2H over Jordan Spieth right now. He seems to be going backwards, while Brennan spiked with his irons last week and remains wildly consistent off the tee. Lack: Chris Gotterup (-110) over Si Woo Kim (Book) — Even with a renovation that should increase the challenge of driving, I still value distance over accuracy at the new look Detroit Golf Club. Gotterup’s approach play is largely improved of late as well, and I’ll gladly take him at even money against Si Woo Kim, who has never played well here. Matchup Results from the 3M Open: Lack: 1 for 1 (Matsuyama (-115) over McNealy); Noonan: 1 for 1 (J. Smith (-107) over Ghim); Hennessey: 1 for 1 (Koivun (+110) over McNealy); Mayo: PUSH (James (+100) over Im); Stewart: 0 for 1; Powers: 0 for 1 Matchup Results from the 2026 season (Wins-Losses-Pushes): Stewart: 15-8-3 (up 5.22 units); Powers: 17-11-0 (up 4.29 units); Lack: 16-10-2 (up 2.43 units); Mayo: 14-12-2 (up 2.3 units); Noonan: 13-11-4 (up 0.53 units); Hennessey: 11-15-2 (down 4.88 units)

Rocket Classic picks 2026: Top 10s

Mayo: J.J. Spaun (+340, FanDuel) — Spaun’s putting has started to normalize after eons in the negative versus the field. Always a predacious ball striker, actually converting a few of those birdie attempts will help him pad his solid resume here. He’s notched top 10s in two of his past three Rocket starts, and never finished worse than T-33 in six starts. Stewart: Chris Gotterup (+230, FanDuel) — In his last three starts, Chris Gotterup is gaining an average of 9.2 strokes on the field. Gotterup won the John Deere, then finished T-11 in his defense at the Renaissance Club and another top 20 at The Open. All four facets of the game are in line for another solid week at Detroit Golf Club. Chris could win, but a fourth win seems like a stretch, so I will take the 10th place. Noonan: Cameron Young (+140, Caesars Sportsbook) — Young is tied for the top spot in SG/par 4s (with Jackson Koivun and Si Woo Kim), with the fourth-best par-4 scoring average (3.96) and 14th-best birdie-or-better rate (19.4 percent). He ranks first in four of the eight metrics that I’m using in my Rabbit Hole model this week, making him a deserved favorite at the top of the odds board. I feel like the best comps for this new-look Detroit GC are three other Donald Ross designs at East Lake, Aronimink, and (a longer) Sedgefield, spots where Young has played well in the past. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Jackson Suber (+550, FanDuel) — He had the weekend off last weekend, giving him time to refresh from The Open. He had three top-10 finishes in his six starts before The Open, so I think we can trust he gets back to that level of golf. Powers, Golf Digest: Eric Cole (+700, FanDuel) — Cole had a very strange Open Championship, going 76-64-66-75. Hopefully that middle-rounds version of him shows up to the Rocket, where he tied for sixth in 2024, his only appearance in the event. Lack: Jake Knapp (+380, FanDuel) — Jake Knapp is coming off an impressive performance at the 3M Open where he made seven birdies in a row on Sunday and led the field in approach play during an epic final round. Knapp has already recorded a top-five finish at Detroit Golf Club, and I expect his ball-striking to reign supreme here again.

Top-10 results from the 3M Open: Noonan: 1 for 1 (Emiliano Grillo +700); Everybody else: 0 for 1 Top-10 results from the 2026 season: Mayo: 10 for 28 (up 41.55 units); Lack: 8 for 28 (up 13.1 units); Stewart: 7 for 28 (up 4.05 units); Powers: 6 for 28 (up 1.25 units); Noonan: 6 for 28 (down 0.5 units); Hennessey: 5 for 28 (down 8.6 units) About our experts Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long and short-form content, and the host of The Pat Mayo Experience daily talk show. Mayo helped create the golf stats and research website Fantasy National along with the Race for the Mayo Cup One and Done contest. Mayo won the 2022 Fantasy Sports Writing Association Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and is a finalist for three FSWA Awards in 2023 (Best Podcast, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year). His 27 FSWA nominations lead all writers this decade and are second-most all-time. Follow him on Twitter: @ThePME. Keith Stewart is a five-time award-winning PGA professional, a betting contributor and content partner with Golf Digest. Stewart is a co-founder of Read The Line, the premier on-site live golf betting insights service covering the PGA Tour, LPGA and TGL. Subscribe to Read The Line’s weekly newsletter for the industry’s best betting narratives. Follow him on Twitter @readtheline_. Ryan Noonan is the Betting Content Manager for 4for4 and Betsperts Golf, writing articles and hosting multiple shows under the Betsperts Group umbrella, including Move The Line and our Betsperts Golf Betting Show. Find him on Twitter: @RyNoonan. Andy Lack is a PGA Tour writer and podcaster from New York City who now resides in Los Angeles. Andy is the founder and CEO of Inside Sports Network, a website devoted to the predictive quality of advanced analytics and golf course architecture. He came to Golf Digest’s betting panel after previously writing for Run Pure Sports, RickRunGood.com, the Score and GolfWRX. In his free time, Andy can likely be found on a golf course. Follow him on Twitter: @adplacksports.