You ready for an action-packed week of golf as the highly anticipated (ok, maybe a stretch) Rocket Mortgage Classic takes center stage? The event kicks off Thursday and all eyes will be squarely focused on a small set of superstars who are teeing it up in Detroit.
The top contenders include Finau, BDR, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki. Not a shabby list. Homa, JT, Tom Kim, Sungjae, and last week’s winner, Keegan “I love New England more than I should,” round out the A-listers. Let’s dive into their odds, current form, and potential to lift the Big-A.
Betting Favorites and Just Enough Analysis to Make Us Sound Smart:
The betting landscape for the Rocket Mortgage showcases our frontrunners for sure. Tony Finau leads the pack as the betting favorite at +1200, followed closely by Rickie and Collin Morikawa at +1400. Hideki is also a strong contender at +1600. Sleepers? We’re going with Brian Harman +4000 and Austin Eckroat +5000.
| Player | Odds | Player | Odds |
| Tony Finau | (+1200) | Brian Harman | (+4000) |
| Rickie Fowler | (+1400) | Stephan Jaeger | (+4500) |
| Collin Morikawa | (+1400) | Sepp Straka | (+4500) |
| Hideki Matsuyama | (+1600) | Ludvig Aberg | (+4500) |
| Max Homa | (+1800) | Ben An | (+4500) |
| Justin Thomas | (+1800) | Harris English | (+5000) |
| Tom Kim | (+2000) | Chris Kirk | (+5000) |
| Sungjae Im | (+2000) | Austin Eckroat | (+5000) |
| Keegan Bradley | (+3000) | Alex Smalley | (+5000) |
| Cam Davis | (+3500) | J.J. Spaun | (+5500) |
The Faves:
Tony Finau (+1200): Power and Consistency
No question Big Tony is an impressive golfer capable of taking it deep any week. And we know he loves this course after pulling off a runaway victory in ’22. But how is playing right now? Since his win in Mexico in late April he’s been playing like a guy hoping to keep his card. Only he’s Tony Finau, a Ryder Cupper and fan favorite. It’s time to turn it around; and this week is the perfect time for him and his putter to get HOT. Let’s be honest, maybe Finau hasn’t exactly earned his place as the betting favorite, but, as the defending champion, he’s bound to bring some juice to the course Thurs-Sun. We’ll have to wait and see if his juice includes a healthy serving of his “A” game.
Rickie Fowler (+1400) Charisma and Skill
Rickie Fowler, otherwise known as BDR to his friends, family and Twitterers, is the biggest superstar in the field and arguably the hottest golfer teeing it up in Detroit. Right now, he can put together three rounds with the best of them. But can he put together four? He needs to if he wants to win this week. The weaker field and the good mojo he’s playing with right now tees him up for success. But he needs to cross the finish line Sunday with the lowest score, not just set the course record on Friday. Let’s go BDR! Hopefully, Fowler is able to rise to the occasion this weekend.
Collin Morikawa (+1400): The Major Winner Who Needs a Win Again
Collin Morikawa is a star. When he’s on, he’s as good as anyone not named Rory, Brooks, Scheff, Rahmbo and DJ. With his composed demeanor and exceptional ball-striking ability, Morikawa has already secured major victories in the PGA at Harding Park and the Open Championship at Royal St. Georges. But he’s never won the gem of Detroit, the Rocket Mortgage. Morikawa’s recent form has been shaky at best. But the course this week sets up perfectly for his precision iron game. We won’t be laying a bet for Collin to win, but we still think the odds in Vegas are pretty close to where they should be.
Hideki Matsuyama (+1600) Masters Champion and Competitor
Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters Champion, brings his exceptional skills, experience and pronounced pause at the top of his backswing to Detroit Golf Club this week. With a strong track record in major tournaments and a consistent presence at the top of leaderboards, Matsuyama’s competitive spirit and precision make him a contender to watch. He’s also just a good dude who fles economy airlines like the rest of us too. A man of the people. We’re rooting for ya Hideki. Ichiban!
Course Analysis and Predictions
Detroit Golf Club. Gettable. Tight, but not too tight. (Come on, Finau won the tourney last year.) If you can dial in your wedges and make a high percentage of putts from 10-15 ft, you can contend. The key is keeping it in play. Wedge it close. Make some snakes. And aim for the course record. The winner is going to shoot four rounds in the 60’s and post at least one Rickie round (you know, a 60 or 62). There’ll be birdies aplenty which makes for fun golf to watch, but only if the stars make the cut. Either way, we’ll be watching like we always do.
An exciting battle awaits at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.