The Power Fade: 2024 American Express
The Approach to fading big names for the 2024 American Express
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 the Hawaii swing over, we move back to the continental United States this week and Palm Springs for the Am Ex. The dreaded three course rotation is upon us, and having a Pro-Am format also throws a monkey wrench into the proceedings.
With perfect scoring conditions upon us this week, all three courses will be ripe for the picking. Statistically the Stadium Course (Pete Dye Design) plays as the hardest, yet can be scored on if you are playing well. Consequently, we should see the winning score hover between -23 and -26.
Without further adieu, let's soak up the sun in Palm Springs and get into the Power Fades for the American Express!
Patrick Cantlay ($10,800)
Our first Power Fade of the week is a man who many think could be a favorite to win this week. Patrick Cantlay, who comes it at a pricey $10,800 on DraftKings makes a return to the Power Fade.
Why The Fade Works:
In full disclosure, Cantlay isn't the worst play this week. Statistically speaking, Cantlay checks the boxes in many of the key areas. However to quote Jon Rahm, "This is a f-ing putting contest". Cantlay comes into this week ranking 141st in the field for putting, which is bizarre.
Additionally with the Pro-Am format, Cantlay and his mentality might not be the best fit. Often known to be cantankerous, playing long rounds with some "pampered f***" could keep Cantlay on tilt thus impacting his game.
If Cantlay truly enjoyed this format he would have made more than one previous appearance at the Am Ex, which was last year where he finished 23rd. A finish like that this year will not get it done, especially at such a lofty price tag.
Finally, you can't play everyone in the 10k and above range. Strategic fades have to be made, and I am prioritizing putting Scheffler, Xander, and Sungjae Im in my lineups. I could understand the notion of putting Cantlay in your lineups, however for me I am going to take the gamble that the three players listed above will outscore and out place Cantlay on DraftKings this week.
Taylor Montgomery ($8,100)
Our second Power Fade of the week is a newcomer to the Power Fade. Taylor Montgomery takes his maiden voyage this week, coming in at $8,100 on DraftKings.
Why The Fade Works:
This time last year, Taylor Montgomery was a favorite play of ours, the putter was white hot and we all thought he was destined for a breakthrough win. Injuries derailed these dreams and here we are a year later and it seems like Taylor has found it again.
While we find ourselves in a putting contest this week, the iron play and off the tee game Montgomery has is scary, and not in a good way. Coming into this field ranked 121st in Strokes Gained Off the Tee is alarming. For Taylor to remain competitive he has to putt lights out. Even the slightest loss of strokes on the green will sink him. Paying $8,100 for someone who needs the putter to carry him is sub-optimal.
If Montgomery was $7,500 where he should be tops, I'd be more inclined to take the risk. I think we need to take a wait and see approach with Montgomery. If he beats us he beats us, but I am confident the fade will pay off.
That's it folks for this edition of the Power Fade, we will return to you next week for the Farmers Insurance Open and beautiful Torrey Pines!
Follow me on X @AllenKlutts and on Instagram @Allen_Klutts906
Until then Be Bold, Be Brave, and Let's Ride the Power Fade!
"Additionally with the Pro-Am format, Cantlay and his mentality might not be the best fit. Often known to be cantankerous, playing long rounds with some "pampered f***" could keep Cantlay on tilt thus impacting his game"
— 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.