2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic preview: Odds, field, picks and more

The PGA Tour is in Detroit, Michigan, for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where Rickie Fowler will attempt to defend his title. After an entertaining three-week stretch of golf, this tournament may not feature some top-ranked players, but it still boasts a strong field of golfers eager to climb the FedEx Cup standings. Held at the historic Detroit Golf Club, the event promises exciting competition on its par-72, 7,370-yard course.

Taking place from June 27-30, the Rocket Mortgage Classic marks its sixth edition at the Detroit Golf Club. Despite having just 10 of the top 50 players in the world rankings, the tournament remains a pivotal stop on the tour.

With a purse of $9,200,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points up for grabs, the event will be a crucial opportunity for many players to make significant strides in their season standings.

Rocket Mortgage Classic: Weather and Course Condition

The Rocket Mortgage Classic takes place on the venerable Detroit Golf Club, a course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Known for its tree-lined fairways and generous landing areas, the course offers a blend of challenge and beauty.

A notable feature is the bent tree between the 7th and 8th holes, a historical marker originally shaped by Native Americans as a guidepost on the ancient Indian Trail between Detroit and Pontiac. 

Weather conditions for the Rocket Mortgage Classic are expected to be favorable, with mild temperatures and moderate humidity throughout the tournament. Detroit typically experiences warm summer days in late June, with average highs around 80°F (27°C) and lows in the mid-60s°F (18°C).

There is a slight chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons, but overall, the forecast suggests that players can anticipate mostly sunny skies and gentle breezes. These conditions should provide an excellent setting for competitive play and allow the course to showcase its full potential.

The Field

The Rocket Mortgage Classic will see Rickie Fowler making an emotional return to Detroit Golf Club to defend his title. Fowler’s victory last year marked his first in four years, ending a long drought and signaling a resurgence in his career.

The 35-year-old American finished tied with Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa on 24 under par after 72 holes, ultimately clinching the win with a birdie putt on the first play-off hole.

This victory was a significant milestone for Fowler, who had struggled to find form but managed to secure nine top-20 finishes in ten events last season, culminating in a strong performance at the US Open.

Other notable contenders include Tom Kim, who has shown impressive form this season and just finished second at the Travelers Championship last week.

Despite the absence of some top-ranked players, the field remains competitive, offering opportunities for both rising stars and seasoned professionals to advance in the FedEx Cup standings.

One of the most compelling storylines of the Rocket Mortgage Classic is the debut of 15-year-old golf prodigy Miles Russell. Despite his youth, Russell is already one of the most accomplished players in junior golf, making his PGA Tour debut a highly anticipated event. Earlier this year, Russell became the youngest player to make the cut in the Korn Ferry Tour’s 35-year history, finishing 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic in April.

Russell’s achievements in 2023 have been extraordinary. He was named the American Junior Golf Association Player of the Year, surpassing Tiger Woods as the youngest recipient of this honor. Additionally, he won both the Junior PGA Championship and the Junior Players Championship, becoming the youngest champion in the history of both events.

Russell also earned a spot on the US Junior Ryder Cup Team and was selected for the inaugural USGA Junior National team. His participation in the Rocket Mortgage Classic offers him a chance to compete against some of the world’s best golfers and to further solidify his status as a future star in the sport.

Rocket Mortgage Classic Picks

Expert Picks:

Tom Kim (12/1): The young Korean golfer has made a significant impact since joining the Tour, with multiple top-10 finishes. Kim’s precision with his irons and his ability to navigate challenging courses make him an excellent pick for the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

His accuracy from tee to green will be a crucial asset on the tree-lined fairways of Detroit Golf Club, a Donald Ross design that rewards precision. With his recent form and growing confidence, Kim is well-positioned to contend for the title this week.

Cameron Young (16/1): His breakout performances in recent majors, including a runner-up finish at The Open Championship and a strong showing at the PGA Championship, have established him as a serious contender in any tournament he enters.

Young’s powerful driving and solid all-around game make him a perfect fit for Detroit Golf Club. His ability to hit long, accurate drives will give him a significant advantage on this course.

Furthermore, his recent form and experience in high-pressure situations make him a strong pick for this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. Young’s combination of talent, recent performance, and course fit makes him a top choice for those looking for a potential winner.

Sleeper Picks:

Jake Knapp (110/1): Despite recent struggles with three missed cuts in his last four starts, is a compelling sleeper pick for this tournament. The 30-year-old golfer has the ability to drive the ball with remarkable power, a crucial asset on the Donald Ross-designed Detroit Golf Club.

This course favors players who can excel with wedge shots, particularly from 50-125 yards, an area where Knapp shines. He ranks 21st on the PGA Tour from this range and 11th from 100-125 yards, making him a strong contender in this aspect of the game.

Given the weaker field and his odds, Knapp’s prowess with the wedge and his driving distance make him a worthwhile consideration for a surprising performance this week.

Aaron Rai (30/1): Aaron Rai has been a name to watch on leaderboards in recent months. The Englishman has shown consistent form since the start of May, with notable finishes including a T-4 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, T-39 at the PGA Championship, T-32 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, T-14 at the RBC Canadian Open, and T-19 at the U.S. Open.

His performance at Detroit Golf Club last year, where he tied for ninth, further underscores his potential. Rai’s ability to maintain composure and deliver strong finishes in high-pressure situations makes him a sleeper pick with significant upside for this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. His recent form and past success on this course position him as a formidable competitor capable of challenging for the title.