SportsLine model favours Cameron Young for 2026 Rocket Classic

Mike McClure’s SportsLine computer model has identified Cameron Young as the favourite for the 2026 Rocket Classic, following a simulation of the tournament 10,000 times. The model, which claims to have accurately predicted the outcomes of 17 major golf championships including five consecutive Masters titles, lists Young at +1000 odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

The 2026 Rocket Classic is scheduled to tee off on Thursday at the Detroit Golf Club, marking one of the final two events in the PGA Tour regular season before the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Notable players Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are taking the week off, leaving a field headlined by Young and Xander Schauffele, who is listed at +2000.

While Young leads the projections, the model advises against backing Jackson Koivun despite his recent victory at the 3M Open. Koivun, a 23-year-old PGA rookie from Auburn, is tied at +2000 odds alongside Schauffele and Si Woo Kim. The algorithm suggests fading Koivun, predicting he will barely crack the top 10, citing a previous missed cut at the John Deere Classic as a factor despite his impressive four rounds of 68 or lower during his 3M Open win.

Conversely, the model recommends targeting J.J. Spaun at +3300. Spaun, who ranks 20th in the FedEx Cup Playoff standings, has recorded four top-10 finishes at the Detroit Golf Club in previous years. Although he did not compete in the event last year, his historical performance at the venue makes him a recommended value pick according to the simulation.

Chris Gotterup is identified as the second favourite at +1800 after securing his third victory at the Rocket Classic earlier in the 2026 season. The model is also targeting longshots around +3500, with Ryan Gerard and Akshay Bhatia listed at those odds, as the PGA Tour approaches the conclusion of its regular season.