RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesWe'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 starti...
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