Rocket Mortgage 2021 Classic Picks: Gary Woodland at +5000 to win

It is back to PGA Tour action and this week we are up in Michigan where JN Campbell previews the Rocket Mortgage Classic for us...

Course: Detroit Golf Club (North)

Location: Detroit, MI

Date: July 1-4

Par: 72, Yardage: 7,370

Purse: $7.5M/Winner $1.35M

Fairways/Rough: Bentgrass, Bluegrass mix

Greens: Bentgrass

Defending Champion: Bryson DeChambeau

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Introduction:

The PGA Tour had an exciting finish this past Sunday at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut as they went through an 8-hole playoff … Harris English sunk a birdie on 18 to close out the former University of Texas product, who was known mainly as Jordan Spieth’s one-time caddy and roommate, Kramer Hickok. That extended contest tied for 2nd all-time, and it was spectacular for the game of golf. The display was nothing short of fireworks!

As for my “prop bets,” though I missed on the head-to-head with DJ over Koepka, I did score nicely with Marc Leishman. He was 70/1 to “win,” and not only did he make the “Weekend,” but with a 64 on Sunday he got to 12 under. Leishman was in the Clubhouse, hoping that Watson and English would go to pieces. Once the eventual winner drained a birdie, as Leishman was taking some practice swings on the range, it was over. But the drama was building … As for Brian Harman (winning pick), he made the Top 5, and was not too shabby at one point on the last day, getting to -10. All in all, it was a solid tournament.

Now, the scene shifts to the Old Northwest, and the Detroit Golf Club, as they host the Rocket Mortgage on a course that was originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. What we know about it coming into the week is that it is flat, and scoring will be extremely low. Last year’s champ, Bryson DeChambeau won this event with a -23! Aspects of the course can provide distance tests, but for these pros, it should not be an issue. Being long off the tee will allow this group to have a field day. Looking for some value will be high on this week’s list …

Prop bets, aplenty …

DeChambeau vs. Hideki, low score comp … (DeChambeau, +750 vs. Hideki M., +1600)

The former SMU physics guy will be on many a list this week, and he should serve as the consensus pick when it comes to choosing a winner. DeChambeau is long of the tee with titanic drives that impress … yet, what seems to fail him is the putter, especially when he needs it most. He was sloppy down the stretch at Travelers, and let some golden opportunities slip away. I want to take advantage of his short-price, by putting someone up against him that is elevating his own game. That golfer is Hideki Matsuyama, who not only won The Masters back in April, but continues to be extremely dangerous. I like the Japanese star’s ball-striking ability, and his aggressive irons from 150+ can be quite effective. Most will gravitate to DeChambeau … major opportunity, especially pitting this 2 against one another.

Top 10 Finish … (Garrick Higgo +4000)

The young South African was awfully good in the Palmetto Championship at Congaree a few weeks ago. He outlasted them all, and suffice it to say, he made an impression on the Golf World. Though he followed up that command performance with a couple of misses at the U.S. Open and the Travelers Championship, he has the ability to rebound in Michigan. The 22-yr-old is a rising star, and he should be considered a future member of the President’s Cup Team for the world. Look out folks … the odds on him should be stellar. I think a Top 10 or 20 is definitely feasible, as he makes only his 4th start of the year.

Woodland People … (Gary Woodland +5000)

The Kansas native has some good performances under his belt in 2021, to go with a career 4 PGA Tour victories. Woodland has finished as low as 15 in the FedEx Cup Standings, and he has the ability to get in the mix. I like his short game, and creative shot-making ability above all else. His best result of 2021 was a 5th place finish in the Wells Fargo Championship. His accuracy off-the-tee is in need of some improvement, and if he can keep that under control (pushing 300yd drives), then he could have a chance to put himself in a strong position. Do not forget … Woodland was the 2019 U.S. Open Champion, and that puts him in any conversation. Detroit could be his … especially at a nice price of what could be over 50/1. Woodland’s consistent nature, and he is poised for another run at PGA Tour victory. Bet him …

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Enjoy all the action from Detroit, Michigan! It is time for the Rocket Mortgage Championship!