The Power Fade: 2024 Farmers Insurance Open
The Approach to fading big names for the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open
What’s going on TJ Nation! Ann Arbor's Own Good Ol' AK Allen Klutts here bringing you another edition of the Power Fade: The Fades 8K and Above You Need to Smash Your DraftKings GPP's!
Nick Dunlap... Nick freaking Dunlap, what more can you say. After a historical performance in Palm Springs we head down the coast to Torrey Pines. We once again have a course rotation this week, however this time only two. Historically we have seen the North Course play as the easier set up.
Both courses play as a Par 72, however the North Course is roughly 500 yards shorter. Unlike last week at the AMEX, Distance will play more of a factor this week, as we will not see a pitch and putt event. Winning scores have historically found itself around -13 to -16 and I would anticipate to see this once again this year.
As we come off a successful week with the Power Fades (Cantlay T52, Montgomery 61st) let's take a look at who our Power Fades are for the Farmers Insurance Open!
Patrick Cantlay ($10,500)
We are going right back to the well for our first Power Fade of the week. Patrick Cantlay returns to the Power Fade at $10,500 on DraftKings.
Why The Fade Works:
Cantlay was tracking his way up the leaderboard last week until an abysmal Sunday sunk him. However, we now come to a tournament where he has not fared well historically, mixing with some stats that are concerning for the PGA TOUR's "Human Rain Delay".
Putting once again has been a problem for Cantlay. Ranking 101st in this field is a major concern. Can Cantlay overcome this? Absolutely he can, he's a world class player. However, we have to nitpick with the top end, and at this time I'd rather play Colin Morikawa or Sungjae Im.
From the perspective of the 10K and above range on DraftKings, Cantlay is the 4th best play in the range. Iron play will be a huge factor this week at Torrey Pines, especially on the South Course. I'd much rather have Homa and Morikawa who we know can easily get nuclear hot with their irons.
Xander Schauffle ($10,600)
"People let me tell you bout my best friend"Â
These iconic words ring true this week as Cantlay's BFF Xander Schauffle returns to the Power Fade this week at $10,600 on DraftKings
Why The Fade Works:
First of all, seeing Xander as the top priced player on the board is license enough to pull the fade trigger. While Xander is a top tier talent, he isn't the class of this field (See Max Homa) and secondly when has the X man ever closed the door as a favorite.
Let's look at his course history. Xander has a less than stellar course history at Torrey Pines comparative to his price point. With four MC's and one Top 10 to his name in this event, Xander hardly deserves to be the highest priced player.
Statistically speaking, Xander has some holes in his game as well. Ranking 87th in the field for birdies is concerning for someone who is priced at the top of the board. If we are going to pay a premium for Xander, we need to get results, and the past says we won't get it. Could he have a great week? 100% Yes, but that being said let's make a bold, brave fade here and pivot down the board to start our lineups.
That's it folks for this week's edition of the Power Fade. I will return to you next week for the iconic, and now elevated event: The Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Follow me on X @AllenKlutts and on Instagram @Allen_Klutts906
Until then Be Bold, Be Brave, and Let's Ride the Power Fade!
"From the perspective of the 10K and above range on DraftKings, Cantlay is the 4th best play in the range. Iron play will be a huge factor this week at Torrey Pines, especially on the South Course. I'd much rather have Homa and Morikawa who we know can easily get nuclear hot with their irons".
— AK
Meet the Author:
Allen Klutts
A long time Tour Junkies fan and Nut Hut Member, Allen has always been an enthusiastic PGA DFS player and is looking to bring that passion to his writing. A frequent participant on the Wednesday Night Live Stage Chat, who DB once compared to Norm from the TV show "Cheers" for always kicking off the live stage segment, Allen lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife and two year old son.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and commentary in this post belong to its author and do not necessarily represent the Tour Junkies as a whole.