The Power Fade: 2024 Sony Open
The Approach to fading big names for the 2024 Sony 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!
With Chris Kirk's triumph at Kapalua in the books, we stay on the islands this week and one of the oldest events on the PGA TOUR, the Sony Open.
Waialae Country Club plays as a Par 70, just over 7,000 yards. While last week at Kapalua it was a "waggle it and let the big dog eat" fest, this week will feature narrower fairways and less drivers in the players hands. While there is some rough around Waialae CC, it isn't very penal. Weather will also be a factor this week, as the potential for soft conditions should turn this into a birdie fest, with the winning score hovering between -20 to -23.
As we say Aloha to the Hawaii swing, let's dive in to the Power Fades for The Sony Open!
Brian Harman ($9,900)
Our first Power Fade of the week is our most recent Major Champion. While Brian Harmon conquered golf's oldest major, the stats show he may be worth a fade this week in Honolulu.
Why The Fade Works:
When you deep dive the stats on Brian Harman, there are some interesting finds that really make your head turn.
First off, Harman struggles in the key metric of Strokes Gained Par 4. Ranking 103rd in the field for SG Par 4 is alarming, especially at $9,900 on DraftKings where you have to invest a high percentage of lineup capital.
Additionally Harman's recent stats show struggles in Strokes Gained Ball Striking (104th) and Strokes Gained Around the Green (101st). Hitting greens, especially in a birdie fest will be a necessity. We do not have the large greens that Kapalua had last week at Waialie CC, so GIR percentage should be lower.
At the end of the day, while Harman seems like a great play on paper, the move is to pivot up and down the board. Sahith Theegala projects at lower ownership and has simply been playing better. We can pivot down the board to Eric Cole as well, who has been lighting the scorecard up with birdies. We may have more ownership on Cole, but we can pivot to lesser owned guys down the board when we fill out our lineups.
Ben An ($8,700)
Our second Power Fade of the week comes to us in the form of Ben An, a man who has been known to break our hearts many a time.
Why The Fade Works:
Ben An comes to us fresh off of a 4th place finish at The Sentry. With a nice weekend that propelled him up the leaderboard, we should see some inflated ownership on An, giving us the opportunity to pivot to players such as Denny McCarthy who will come in at half the ownership.
When it comes to the stats, we all know where Benny An's weaknesses lie. While there has been improvements to his putter since returning from the Korn Ferry Tour, the stats are still less than desirable. An ranks 66th in the field Strokes Gained Putting. Furthermore, An ranks 125th in the key metric of Strokes Gained Approach.
With these dangerous stat lines it would be wise to fade An in DFS. If you are looking for some Ben An action this week, consider the outright bet or even Top 5, 10 or 20 at your favorite sportsbook.
That's it folks for this edition of the Power Fade, we will return to you next week for the American Express and the return of the dreaded three course rotation!
Follow me on X @AllenKlutts and on Instagram @Allen_Klutts906
Until then Be Bold, Be Brave, and Let's Ride the Power Fade!
"With dangerous stat lines like this, It would be wise to fade An in DFS. If you are looking for some Ben An action this week, consider the outright bet or even Top 5, 10 or 20 at your favorite sportsbook".
— 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.