The PGA Tour schedule has slowed down after a tough run of majors and signature events. The field for the Rocket Mortgage Classic features only one player ranked in the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking (Tom King). However, those who tee it up at the Detroit Golf Tournament are battling for valuable FedEx Cup points as the regular season winds down. King tops the betting charts at +1200, followed by the newest member of the 59 Club, Cameron Young, at +1800.
Historically, this event is a feast for birdies. Since becoming a tour regular in 2019, the winning score has been 23 under or lower four times. The course at Detroit Golf Club is a middling 7,300-plus yards long. Historically, players with long tee shots have done well here. Bombers Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau and Cam Davis are all past winners of this event. With that in mind, this week's recommendations are for power hitters and players who make birdies.
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Golf odds as of 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 26
Min Woo Lee wins +1800, top 20 +138
A fan favorite on the PGA Tour, Lee Min-woo hasn't had the breakout season that many (myself included) had expected. The three-time DP World Tour champion has only one top-10 finish in 2024, at the Cognizant Classic in March. Despite the lack of results, he's an intriguing talent with the ability to dominate on a course like Detroit Golf Club. The Australian is one of the longest hitters in the sport, ranking second in total shots, fourth in driving distance, and eighth in Strokes Gained Off the Tee. He's also accurate with his driver, ranking 26th in stroke accuracy on the course. His iron game has struggled for much of the year, but the 25-year-old has scored in two of his last three starts. This is perfect timing for Lee Min-woo to make a big mark.
Adam Svensson wins +5000, top 30 finishes +138
The Canadian turned things around after a slow start to the season. Swenson had a strong performance at the Travelers Championship, finishing T16th and finishing in the top 20 for the second time this year. While he didn't have many high scores, he was consistent, making the cut in 11 consecutive tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. The Surrey, British Columbia native is one of the best iron players on tour, ranking 35th in Approach Gained. He also finished in the top 100 in Strokes Gained Off the Tee (87th) and Around the Greens (74th). Swenson is on the rise and is on track to win his second PGA Tour title.
Michael Kim wins +10,000, top 40 finishes +175
The 30-year-old has two top-20 finishes in his last four starts. He ranks 56th in approach strokes gained and 65th in putting strokes gained. More importantly, King has made a lot of birdies, averaging 4.4 birdies per round, fourth on tour. He has played in this event three times, but failed to qualify for the weekend three times. However, familiarity with the course should help him. Hopefully, he can find a way to handle it this time.
Neal Shipley wins +20,000, top 40 finishes +150
The 25-year-old recently capped off a stellar amateur career by earning the lowest amateur score at the U.S. Open. He earned the same honor at the Masters earlier this year. The former Ohio State Buckeye made his professional debut on the PGA Americas Tour last week, finishing in a tie for ninth at the Beachlands Victoria Open. Along the way, Shipley lived up to expectations. I have high hopes for this week's sponsor exemption.
