The Power Fade: 2024 WM Phoenix Open
The Approach to fading big names for the WM Phoenix 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!
Mother nature reared its ugly head this past week cost us the potential for an exciting Sunday on the hallowed grounds of Pebble Beach. When the dust settled on Saturday, Wyndham Clark propelled himself to a historic victory.
This week the PGA TOUR finds itself in lovely Scottsdale, AZ for the WM Phoenix Open, AKA THE PEOPLE'S OPEN! With massive crowds expected to take in the action this week, there is no telling what excitement awaits us at TPC Scottsdale.
TPC Scottsdale plays as a Par 71, and a shade under 7300 yards. Driving and a strong approach game will be paramount to success as player will also face some of the largest greens on the PGA TOUR. We should see the boys go low this week, as winning scores have tended to range in the -17 to -20 range.
With Scottie Scheffler looking to 3-peat in the desert, let's get into our Power Fades for the WM Phoenix Open.
Wyndham Clark ($9,000)
After a historic Saturday that saw him inches away from shooting a potential 57, our reigning, defending United States Open Champion Wyndham Clark is our first Power Fade of the week.
Why The Fade Works:
Let's have an honest conversation about Wyndy C last week... HE GOT LUCKY!
Yes what he did was historic, impressive, and he earned his third career PGA TOUR victory. However, had we played the 4th round I'm not so sure Wyndham would have won the golf tournament.
Clark certainly had the magic beans with his putter last week, which certainly masks his stats showing poor iron play coming into WM this week. Ranking 95th in Strokes Gained Approach isn't exactly appealing on TPC Scottsdale. Couple this with an 88th in Strokes Gained Ball Striking, and we have the makings of a great fade on Wyndy C.
One of the many exciting features about TPC Scottsdale is that we should see a birdie fest yet trouble lurks at every turn. Bogey Avoidance will be an under valued stat by many this week, however it is something we should be paying attention to. Wyndham ranks 83rd in the field for Bogey Avoidance. Clark loves himself a big number at times, and TPC Scottsdale gives you the opportunity to get off the rails should you not be on your game.
Hideki Matsuyama ($8,400)
A man who many will be calling a "Course Horse" this week due to his two career wins at the WM, Hideki Matsuyama returns to the Power Fade this week at $8400 on DraftKings.
Why The Fade Works:
Yes, Hideki has an immaculate course history at TPC Scottsdale, this is undisputed. Where we can have a debate is wether or not this current Hideki is worth playing.
Hideki's form is straight garbage, let's call it out for what it is. Coming into this week, He ranks 97th in Good Drives and 109th in Strokes Gained Total. If you have watched Hideki's play of late, even his iron play, normally a trademark strength has been putrid. Furthermore, like I said before, Bogey Avoidance will play a key role this week in who lifts the trophy on Sunday. Matsuyama comes in as one of the worst in this field, ranking 118th.
That's it folks for this week's edition of the Power Fade. I will return to you next week for another Signature Event: The Genesis Invitational hosted by a guy you may have heard of Eldrick Tont Woods.
Follow me on X @AllenKlutts and on Instagram @Allen_Klutts906
Until then Be Bold, Be Brave, and Let's Ride the Power Fade!
"Clark certainly had the magic beans with his putter last week, which certainly masks his stats showing poor iron play coming into WM this week. Ranking 95th in Strokes Gained Approach isn't exactly appealing on TPC Scottsdale. Couple this with an 88th in Strokes Gained Ball Striking, and we have the makings of a great fade on Wyndy C.".
— 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.