We’re back on the board thanks to new expert panelist Ryan Noonan, who took Jackson Koibun to his first win at the 3M Open last week (!). Additionally, he also won a top 10 bet against Emiliano Grillo with a 7-1 record. When it’s hot, it’s hot.
Related: Rocket Classic 2026 picks: Why experts think Jackson Koibun will make back-to-back appearances
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Let’s keep it up in Detroit, where a surprisingly strong field is emerging to compete against the renovated Detroit Golf Club. Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young and Chris Gottharp are leading the way, while Koibun will be looking to win back-to-back titles (one of our experts thinks maybe…wink wink).
Golf Digest’s betting panel consists of Pat Mayo of Underdog/Mayo Media Network, Andy Luck of Inside Sports Network, Ryan Noonan of Betsperts, your two authors, and Keith Stewart, CEO of Read The Line.
Read The Line’s Joe Idone and John Haslbauer break down the big (and newsworthy) bets they’re making for the 2026 Rocket Classic.
See Read The Line’s complete betting breakdown for the 2026 Rocket Classic here.
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Related: Tee times, TV coverage and viewer guide for the 2026 Rocket Classic.
Scroll down for our complete betting analysis for the 2026 Rocket Classic.
Rocket Classic picks 2026: Experts’ complete predictions
Pat Mayo, Underdog/Fantasy National, maymedia network analyst: Xander Schauffele (20-1, BetMGM) — It’s not how he played, it’s who he played against. There’s nothing in his stats to indicate that Xander has a winning streak, but I keep watching his price and it’s bigger now than it was at the Masters. This field is stronger than expected, but not exactly Detroit’s entire Augusta force. His talent alone makes those numbers very attractive.
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Keith Stewart, PGA, Read The Line: Shi Woo Kim (22-1, BetMGM) — At some point, Siu Kim will be rewarded for all his exceptional play. With back-to-back top 10 finishes across the Atlantic, Kim increased his strokes from tee to green in 18 of his 20 matches (and his last seven in a row). Siu, who ranks first in approach and sixth in birdie or better probability over the past 20 rounds, will score. The new greens only increase Kim’s advantage. His approach to the hole from short to long range is exemplary, and Siu’s acumen around the greens helps him score. He has finished in the top 10 four times in his past six starts. This shootout has Siu’s name written on it.
Ryan Noonan, Content Manager 4for4/Bets Part: Jackson Koivun (20-1, BetMGM) — This week we have a full two-man card with Cameron Young and Jackson Koibun, but let’s see these kids play against each other back-to-back. Koibun has yet to finish outside the top 10 in any of his 13 total drives on the PGA Tour, according to Betsparts Golf. Combine this with an average 0.52 stroke gain on approach and near full stroke putting (+0.93 per round) and you get here. And we plan to be here for a very long time.
Stephen Hennessy, Golf Digest Editor-in-Chief: Michael Thorbjornsen (45-1, BetMGM) — It’s time for another young man’s coming out party. The 24-year-old has put up strong ball-striking numbers, finishing T-4 at the Rocket Classic here last year and ranking 16th in strokes gained from tee to green over the past six months. He was T-7 for Scotland. He is trending towards a long-awaited break. Christopher Powers, Golf Digest Senior Writer: Ryan Gerard (40-1, DraftKings) — Gerard started this year with a scorching heat, but after a decent stretch, he seems to be back on track. His approach numbers have been at the highest level all year, and his off-the-tee game is good enough to compete on this golf course. As talk of the Presidents Cup begins to heat up, Gerard is just watching from the outside. A first win would quickly change that conversation. Andy Luck, Inside Sports Network: Ben Griffin (33-1, FanDuel) — Ben Griffin arguably played better than his results indicated, winning four strokes on the ball in his last start at the British Open Championship. He already has three solid finishes at Detroit Golf Club and also won at Colonial in his second year after the renovation. Colonial is another course that features brand new, hard greens.
Past Results: Introducing the fifth winner of 2026. This is brought to you by none other than our newest panelist, Ryan Noonan. He correctly selected Jackson Koibun at 36-1 to win the 3M Open. This is Noonan’s fourth win alone this year. Not bad for a newcomer!
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Rocket Classic picks for 2026: sleeper/dark horse with a chance to win
mayo: Johnny Keefer (96-1, DraftKings) — Kiefer, of course, continues to clean up with this style despite his struggles in Minnesota. Hit it anywhere you like from the teeing ground and use your approach game to hit the pepper into the GIR. Pray for a few putts. Other courses with similar strategies include Scots, Houston, CJ Cup, and Torrey Pines. Kiefer’s results in these events: T-3/T-3/T-9/T-43. I just hope 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 candidate. Thompson went 11 strokes tee-to-green in Minnesota. Davis, a past John Deere champion, has proven he can win regular season events. Generally a below-average putter on tour, Thompson has improved his stroke count through his starts at Detroit Golf Club. Davis improved his average of 5 points per game (SG/total) in four appearances and finished runner-up here in 2024. Noonan: Zach Blair (150-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — I don’t think Zach Blair will win this event, but he’s mispriced as an outright. The price has spilled over into the last-ranked derivatives, with Prime Minister Blair expected to be firmly in the top 20 or top 40. He usually loses a little off the tee due to lack of distance, but now he’s flashing and running hot with his putter, doing no worse than T-13 in his past three starts.
Hennessey, Golf Digest: Johnny Keefer (96-1, DraftKings) — The 2025 KFT Player of the Year is starting to be contested more often. He was a big part of Scotland’s late game on Sunday and I love his stats at Detroit Golf Club. Over the past 36 rounds, he has been in the top 20 in SG/off-the-tee and approach, and also in the top 10 in driving distance. Just avoid chipping disasters. Then we will have to fight again. Powers, Golf Digest: Jackson Suber (80-1, DraftKings) — Suber seems to have finally calmed down after his missed cut at 3M last week, but his iron play wasn’t the same. He gained on his approach for the eighth time in his past nine starts and finished T-6 or better in that stretch three times. Speaking of T-6, Suber first competed in this event a year ago, finishing tied for sixth in his only start. Missing: Keegan Bradley (60-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Keegan Bradley hasn’t gotten much out of his game this year, but he expects that to turn around this week. The former Ryder Cup captain has had a solid career at the Detroit Golf Club, and the added challenge after the renovations should only be seen as a positive for his course fit.
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Related: Jackson Koibun’s Presidents Cup lawsuit isn’t complicated
Rocket Classic picks for 2026: Players who are disappearing
mayo: ben griffin (25-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Sure, he’s playing better, but a bunch of players who are slightly behind on the odds board at the moment just happen to be playing even better. Stewart: Patrick Cantlay (24-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Model bettors will see Patrick Cantlay in the report. The course history is good and approach play is stable. With eight players in the top 20 in 16 games this year, it’s hard to pinpoint why Cantlay can’t compete. Coupled with him missing the cut twice in his past four starts, there are plenty of players better than Patrick at the top of this odds board.
Noonan: Marco Penge (64-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Marco Penge specializes in par-5s, but Detroit Golf Club’s redesign eliminated two easy par-5s in favor of long par-4s, depriving the Englishman of two scoring opportunities. It’s enough to distance yourself from a name you’ve seen a lot over the past two days. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Patrick Cantlay (22-1, BetSperts) –Sure, his golf may be better, but this guy won’t be in the top five in 2026. Powers, Golf Digest: Joe Fuchs (2000-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — The Detroit native also received a sponsor exemption, so the home crowd should favor him. But it’s not enough to get him over the hump. Lack: Hideki Matsuyama (30-1, FanDuel) — Not that I think Detroit Golf Club is a bad golf course for Hideki Matsuyama, but his stat line at last week’s 3M Open was baffling. Hideki lost more than three strokes on his approach, but gained more than eight strokes around the green. Spikes around the greens are certainly unsustainable, but I’d like to see Hideki emerge with a stronger approach form.
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Rocket Classic Picks for 2026: Matchups
mayo: Michael Brennan (-110) vs. Harris English (Courbet) Even if he explodes on Sunday, Brennan will at least take a pay cut. Stewart: Michael Brennan (-110) vs. Harris English (Bet365) — Harris English has missed the cut three times in his past four starts and was T-38 in no-cut events. Normally a positive putter, the SG/Flatstick has been discontinued. Michael Brennan is hitting his stride at the perfect time. Suitable for TPC Twin Cities and Detroit Golf Club, Brennan’s driver will give them a significant competitive advantage. In shootouts that don’t require as much accuracy, take away the bombers who are making birdies. Noonan: Russell Henry (-102) vs. Ben Griffin (Pinnacle) — Despite the lack of distance, I was surprised to see Russell Henry leading the way on SG/Par 4s over 500 yards with +0.29 strokes per round. There are four of them this week, which is an advantage for Henry against Griffin, another elite par-5 scorer who is pretty average on par-4s in particular. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Michael Brennan (-110) vs. Harris English (Bet365) — Board the Brennan train. English’s career here has been pretty mediocre, with missed cuts and T-55s, and he’s missed the MC three times in his last four starts.
Powers, Golf Digest: Michael Brennan (-118) vs. Jordan Spieth (DraftKings) — You can talk me into betting on Jordan Spieth at H2H right now. Brennan spiked his irons last week and has been very consistent off the tee, but he seems to be regressing. Missing: Chris Gotterup (-110) Kim Si Woo (Book) — I value distance over accuracy with my new Detroit golf clubs, even with the renovations that make them more difficult to drive. Gotterup’s approach play has improved a lot as of late, and he’ll be happy to play at even money against Kim Si-woo, who hasn’t played well here. 3M Open match results: Missing: 1-1 (Matsuyama (-115) vs. McNeely). Noonan: 1-1 (J. Smith (-107) vs. Gim) Hennessy: 1-1 (Koibun (+110) vs. McNeely); Mayo: PUSH (James (+100) over Yim); Stewart: 0-1. Power: 0 for 1 2026 Season Match Results (Win-Loss-Push): Stewart: 15 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws (5.22 unit increase). Power: 17-11-0 (4.29 unit increase); Shortage: 16-10-2 (2.43 unit increase). Mayo: 14 wins, 12 losses, 2 draws (up 2.3 units). Noonan: 13 wins, 11 losses, 4 draws (0.53 unit increase). Hennessy: 11-15-2 (down 4.88 units)
Rocket Classic’s Choice 2026: Top 10
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mayo: JJ Spawn (+340, FanDuel) — Spaun’s putting started to normalize after being negative on the field for so long. Always a bold ball-striker, the fact that he actually scored a few birdie attempts will help fill out a solid resume here. He has finished in the top 10 in two of his last three Rocket starts and has never finished worse than T-33 in six starts. Stewart: Chris Gottapp (+230, FanDuel) — Chris Gotterup has averaged 9.2 strokes on the field in his last three starts. Gotterup won at John Deere, defended T-11 at Renaissance Club and finished in the top 20 at The Open. All four aspects of the game are in place for a solid week at Detroit Golf Club. There is a possibility that Chris will win, but it seems impossible for him to win 4th, so I will place him in 10th place. Noonan: Cameron Young (+140, Caesars Sportsbook) — Young was tied for first in SG/par 4s (with Jackson Koibun and Siu Kim), fourth in par 4 scoring average (3.96) and 14th in birdie or better percentage (19.4 percent). He ranks No. 1 in four of the eight metrics I’m using in my Rabbit Hole model this week, making him a natural favorite to top the odds board. The best comps for this new-look Detroit GC feel like East Lake, Aronimink, and (long) Sedgefield, three other Donald Ross designs in places where Young has played well in the past. Hennessy, Golf Digest: Jackson Suber (+550, FanDuel) — Last weekend, he took a weekend off, giving him time to freshen up from the British Open. He has three top-10 finishes in six starts leading up to the British Open, so I think you can trust him to return to that level of golf. Powers, Golf Digest: Eric Cole (+700, FanDuel) — Cole had a very strange record of 76-64-66-75 at the British Open Championship. Hopefully, a mid-round version of him will show up in the Rockets, tying for 6th in 2024, his only appearance in this event. Missing: Jake Knapp (+380, FanDuel) — Jake Knapp had an impressive performance at the 3M Open, making seven straight birdies on Sunday and leading the field with his approach play in an epic final round. Knapp already has a top-five finish at Detroit Golf Club, and I expect his ball-striking to be at the top again here.
3M Open Top 10 Results: Noonan: 1-1 (Emiliano Grillo +700). Everyone else: 0 to 1 Top 10 results for the 2026 season: Mayo: 10 versus 28 (41.55 unit increase). Absent: 8 versus 28 (13.1 unit increase). Stewart: 7 for 28 (4.05 unit increase). Power: 6 for 28 (1.25 unit increase). Noonan: 6 of 28 (down 0.5 unit). Hennessy: 5 of 28 (down 8.6 units) About our experts Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long-form and short-form content, and host of the daily talk show “The Pat Mayo Experience.” In addition to racing the Mayo Cup One-and-Done contest, Mayo also helped create Fantasy National, a golf statistics and research website. Mayo won the 2022 Fantasy Sports Writing Association’s Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and is a finalist for three 2023 FSWA awards: Best Podcast, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, and Golf Writer of the Year. His 27 FSWA nominations are tops among all writers this decade and second all-time. Follow him on Twitter: @PME. keith stewart is a five-time award-winning PGA professional and a betting contributor and content partner for Golf Digest. Stewart is the 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 best betting narratives in the industry. Follow him on Twitter @readtheline_. ryan noonan is the betting content manager for 4for4 and Betsperts Golf, writes articles under the Betsperts Group umbrella and hosts several shows including Move The Line and the Betsperts Golf betting show. Find him on Twitter: @RyNoonan. andy ruck I’m a PGA Tour writer and podcaster from New York City who currently lives in Los Angeles. Andy is the founder and CEO of Inside Sports Network, a website dedicated to advanced analytics and predictive quality in golf course construction. He comes 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 be found on the golf course. Follow him on Twitter: @adplacksports.
