Webb Simpson, Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar and Cameron Tringale will be among the celebrities to be discussed in Draws and Fades.
Though its bones can be traced back to the 19th century, Detroit GC is very much aligned with the 21st century approach of relying on advancements in equipment to mitigate off-tee problems, the worst of which will reach four inches of rough . In short, it pays to be long.
However, much like Ross’ Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, home of next week’s Wyndham Championship, the Detroit GC allows all skills to shine. Correct tracks commit like that.
The stock’s par 72 is 7,370 yards for the second straight year. There are two squares on the property – the North Square and the South Square – and almost all of the North Square is in use. Because the third par 4 hole uses a tee shot on the south course and a green on the north course, the routing for the RMC is classified as compound.
Much like last week’s TPC Twin Cities, it will be important to capitalize on the par 5s at Motown. They often play on par 72s, but compared to their siblings – the par 3s and par 4s – the four par 5s are the tallest. Last year’s field averaged a 4.71 to position Detroit GC as the T16-toughest among 51 courses during the 2020-21 superseason.
En route to his playoff victory, Cam Davis led the field in par-5 scoring with 4.25. He was 12-under without a bogey with an eagle and 10 birdies. Despite being one of the longest off the tee, his skills on shorter fairways have paid off more often, so last year’s success is a testament to both how the course rewards execution and his ability to adapt.
That’s a good thing, too, because the Australian didn’t dazzle like most winners, but he maximized his chances. He ranked T24 on Greens Hit, but he averaged just three GIR above the field average over 72 holes, 55-52. Still, he ranked second when it came to turning his looks into par breaker. Detroit GC facilitated their crowning as PGA TOUR winners with bright spikes on a balanced bag.
The 5,150 square foot greens feature a usual mix of poa and bentgrass. They should also reach the maximum prepared length of 12½ feet on the simpmeter deep in the tournament. Sunny and dry conditions are anchoring after the rain earlier in the week. Wind could be a mild factor early on, but won’t make headlines. Daily highs are in the 80s. It’s the usual summer weather in the lower peninsula.
ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE
PGATOUR.com’s Rob Bolton summarizes and previews each tournament from multiple perspectives. As planned, look for his following posts.
MONDAY: power rankings
TUESDAY*: Sleepers, Draws & Fades
WEDNESDAY: Select them preview
SUNDAY: Medical renewals, qualifiers, reshuffles, rookie rankings
* – Rob is a member of the panel for PGATOUR.COM’s Expert Selection for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, also released Tuesday.