DraftKings Preview: FedEx St. Jude Championship
We've finally arrived at the FedExCup Playoffs, and the FedEx St. Jude Championship is set to take place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. This par 70 course spans 7,243 yards and boasts Bermuda grass greens. As part of the Playoffs, we're in for a 70-man, no-cut event.
The field is brimming with top-tier talent, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm.
Below, I've highlighted three of my preferred DraftKings plays for the upcoming week.
GOLFERS TO CONSIDER
Jon Rahm ($11,100) Opting for Rahm saves you $1,000 compared to Scottie Scheffler and $400 compared to Rory McIlroy. Among the trio, Rahm has the best course history, having secured a solo seventh and a T5 finish (last year) in his three starts at TPC Southwind. Rahm's recent T2 performance at The Open Championship showcased his continued dominance.
During his play at Royal Liverpool, Rahm gained an impressive 4.54 strokes on approach and 3.17 strokes off the tee. He ranks second in this field for SG: Total over his past 48 rounds. When Rahm's on form, he's a formidable putter, a trait that sets him apart from Scheffler and, to a lesser extent, McIlroy. The choice at the top is simply a matter of preference, and I'm particularly impressed with Rahm's showing in England. This performance gives him the edge over the other two, and he's likely to be the least-owned among them.
Sam Burns ($8,100) Burns tends to fly under the radar in elite field events like this, but his performances in two previous FedEx St. Jude outings (T2 and T20) indicate he shouldn't be underestimated. Among players with multiple appearances at this event, Burns ranks third for SG: Total per round at TPC Southwind.
Timing works in our favor, as Burns is in good form. He secured a T14 finish at the Wyndham last week, following a T19 at the Genesis Scottish Open a few weeks prior. Burns appears to thrive on tracks where he has a strong history, setting the stage for a favorable week.
Priced at $8,100, Burns provides a solid contrarian option at an appealing cost.
Andrew Putnam ($6,400) Given the no-cut nature of this event, we can comfortably consider players priced below $7,000. Despite the strong field, Putnam appears to be undervalued, priced just $400 above the DraftKings minimum. His consistent play throughout the season, with 21-of-27 cuts made and three top-10 finishes, suggests he's a bargain.
Putnam's history at TPC Southwind is impressive, with finishes of T5, solo second, and T24 in three of his four appearances. He ranks 15th in this field for SG: Total per round at the course and 17th for driving accuracy over his past 48 rounds. Given the challenging rough and water hazards on the course, accuracy off the tee is crucial this week.
At his affordable price, Putnam offers lineup flexibility and stands out as one of the best values in the slate.
Conclusion
As the FedExCup Playoffs kick off, TPC Southwind is ready to host an exciting event. The course's setup, the loaded field, and the unique dynamics of a no-cut event promise a thrilling competition. With Rahm, Burns, and Putnam as top considerations, fantasy golf enthusiasts have intriguing options to build competitive lineups.
Please note that while I'm a promoter at DraftKings and a passionate fan and customer, my advice is based on my personal perspective and does not necessarily reflect DraftKings' views or guarantee success. Players should exercise their own judgment and skill when constructing lineups.
