State Farm Classic
The Rail Golf Course in Springfield, Illinois has been hosting
the State Farm Classic since it was first played in 1976. Initially the tournament was organized by the club authorities but from 1978 a non-profit organization has been administering it. When this tournament was started in 1976 it was known as the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Classic. After that it was known by many other names and came to be known by its present name from 2000. It has always been a part of the LPGA Tour. Here is a list of names by which this tournament was known.
Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Classic (1976-77)
Rail Charity Golf Classic (1978-92)
State Farm Rail Classic (1993-2000)
State Farm Classic (2000- )
The 2006 State Farm Classic saw a brilliant performance from world No.1 Annika Sorenstam, who came from behind to clinch the title. Cristie Kerr was sitting pretty on the top spot after Round II with a lead of six strokes. Annika reduced the margin in the third round and in the final round she swept away into the lead. She ended up winning by a two-stroke margin. The tournament had a total prize purse of $ 1.3 million of which the winner received $ 195,000.
Past Winners
Betsie King has won the State Farm Classic on three occasions, the highest for any golfer. Here is a list of winners who have won here since it became part of the LPGA Tour.
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Annika Sorenstam 2006
Pat Hurst 2005
Cristie Kerr 2004
Candie Kung 2003
Patricia Muenier-Lebounc 2002
Kate Golden 2001
Laura Kean 2000
Mi Hyun Kim 1999
Pearl Sinn 1998
Cindy Figg-Currier 1997
Michelle McGann 1996
Barb Mucha 1994
Mary Beth Zimmerman 1995 |
Helen Dobson 1993
Nancy Lopez 1992; 1980
Pat Bradley 1991; 1978
Beth Daniel 1990-89
Betsie King 1988; 1986-85
Rosie Jones 1987
Cindy Hill 1984
Laurie Merten 1983
Jo Anne Carner 1982-81
Jo Ann Washam 1979
Hollis Stacy 1977
Sandra Palmer 1976 |
The State Farm Classic is the 25th tournament on the tour's roster.
