Peter Malnati leads after a 61, but Michael Brennan and Jake Knapp offer sharper value as Rocket Classic scoring conditions could favor Friday’s early wave too.
Peter Malnati torched Detroit Golf Club with a 9-under 61, but the Rocket Classic odds board isn’t buying him as the man to beat.
That tells you everything about how strange Thursday’s opening round became.
Malnati made the turn in 28 and briefly had golf’s magic number of 57 floating through his mind. He didn’t get there, but his course-record-tying performance was still a massive surprise from a veteran who’s spent much of 2026 fighting poor form and questions about his future.
Despite holding a two-shot advantage, Malnati was listed at +2350 to win after the first round. Patrick Cantlay, Ryan Gerard, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Keegan Bradley and Michael Brennan all received shorter odds.
It might feel disrespectful, but the bookmakers have a point. Malnati has recorded only two top-10 finishes since winning the 2024 Valspar Championship.
One electric round doesn’t erase months of inconsistency, especially on a renovated Detroit Golf Club layout that still surrendered birdies in bunches.
Cantlay became the betting favorite at +750 after opening with a 6-under 64. Fowler, the 2023 Rocket Classic champion, sat nearby at +810 following a 63.
Still, neither offers much value considering Cantlay hasn’t won since 2022 and Fowler’s Detroit victory remains his latest TOUR title.
Michael Brennan may be the more interesting play at +2100.
Brennan opened with a 65 and enters Friday facing serious FedExCup pressure. He began the week ranked 106th in points, well outside the top-70 playoff cutoff with only two regular-season events remaining.
His greatest weapon fits Detroit perfectly. Brennan entered the Rocket Classic ranked second on the PGA TOUR in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, giving him the power to attack a course where distance can quickly turn into scoring opportunities.
His putter also cooperated Thursday. Brennan made eight consecutive birdies during one scorching stretch, a reminder that he can bury a field once momentum starts building.
An early Friday tee time could provide another edge before the renovated greens become bumpier and firmer.
Jake Knapp also deserves attention in the top-10 market at +240.
Knapp appeared headed toward a wasted round before producing a ridiculous finish.
He played his final five holes with three eagles and a birdie, flipping a 2-over start into a 3-under 67. He hit 15 greens in regulation and closed by finding eight straight.MORE: Team USA Would Be Foolish to Snub Jackson Koivun for Presidents Cup
Malnati owns the lead. Brennan and Knapp may own the better betting value.
At the Rocket Classic, those aren’t always the same thing.
