Betting the Rocket Classic: New-look course should benefit Gotterup - ESPN

The Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club should look a bit different this year. After renovations, the biggest change is in how they converted a par-72 course into a par 70.

Holes No. 7 and 17 were changed from par 5s to par 4s, removing two holes where bombers could expect birdie or even eagle chances every round. Now playing as longer par 4s, that will be a huge swing over four rounds. We could now see more mid-irons into greens rather than wedges.

The restoration of the Donald Ross greens is also an important factor. The old version of this course was good for wedge play because the greens were relatively flat and receptive. Restoring Ross contours and crowns means that if you're on the wrong side or end up above the hole, you've created a much more difficult two-putt.

Considering the winning score last year was 22 under, I don't necessarily see this course being «harder,» but the path to winning could be slightly different.

Odds by DraftKings (with ties) and subject to change.

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Si Woo Kim

Top 20 -115

Top 10 +178

Top 5 +355

To win 19-1

Nobody in this field is creating birdie opportunities better than Si Woo. He's top five in strokes gained total, on approach and tee-to-green, which fueled four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. The Detroit Golf Club renovation shouldn't diminish his upside, because elite ballstriking will still be key for success.

While Kim isn't one of the tour's longest hitters, he excels on longer par 4s, ranking top 10 in scoring on holes from 450-plus yards out. With two former par 5s now playing as long par 4s, that tool becomes even more valuable, giving Kim more opportunities to separate with