Sorenstam and Ochoa headline field that features 8 past champions
Springfield, IL – Tournament officials today announced the field of professionals for this year’s State Farm Classic, which takes place August 31 – September 3 at The Rail Golf Club. Annika Sorenstam, ranked number one in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, will make her first appearance in Springfield since 2001. Lorena Ochoa, who currently sits in second on both the 2006 LPGA money list and the Rolex World Rankings, and leads the State Farm Series, will be returning to Springfield. The field features 7 of the top 10 on the current LPGA money list and includes 9 previous State Farm Classic champions. Defending champion Pat Hurst joins past winners Cristie Kerr, Candie Kung, Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, Kate Golden, Mi Hyun Kim, Cindy Figg-Currier, Michelle McGann and Barb Mucha.
Other highlights to the 31st anniversary field are Se Ri Pak, winner of the 2006 McDonalds LPGA Championship, Brittany Lincicome, winner of the 2006 HSBC World Match Play Championship, and 2005 Solheim Cup participants Christina Kim, Laura Diaz, Wendy Ward, Michele Redman, Sophie Gustafson, Catriona Matthew, Carin Koch, Karen Stupples, and Suzann Pettersen.
"Obviously, having the number one player in the world rankings to augment an already strong field is something we are very excited about. Annika has not been here since 2001, so I know that our fans, sponsors and volunteers are thrilled to have her back and look forward to welcoming her to Springfield" commented 2006 Tournament Chair Kate Borough.
Executive Director Doug Eibling added, "Our field is shaping up to be one of our best we’ve seen here in Springfield. We are confident that the golf fans of Central Illinois will show up in great numbers to welcome these great players and will be treated to an exciting and highly competitive tournament." Eibling continued, "With Ozzie Smith playing in the Pro-Am and the strength of our field of professional golfers, this truly is a star-studded event."
Single day tickets for the State Farm Classic are available at all Central Illinois Qik-n-EZ locations at the reduced rate of $18 and will remain on sale through tournament week. Tickets at the gate are $20 each day.
About State Farm
State Farm® insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 69,000 employees serve nearly 73 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No.19 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.caâ?¢.
About the Rail Charity Golf Classic
The Rail Charity Golf Classic is the 501.c.3 not-for-profit corporation that was formed in 1978 to manage Springfield’s annual LPGA tournament. The Board of Directors is made up of civic and community leaders dedicated to continuing the long standing tradition of LPGA golf in Central Illinois and furthering the charitable impact of the annual tournament. The Board actively participates in the planning and coordination of the tournament as well as the selection of charitable partners and the disbursement of funds to those partners.
Contact:
Doug Eibling
Executive Director
Email: doug@lpgastatefarmclassic.com
Phone: 217.787.5742
