The StateFarm Classic to the men's US Open

Yani Tseng, already the world's #1 golfer on the LPGA tour hoisted the trophy in Springfield, IL. She held on throughout the tourney and defeated Cristie Kerr by 3 strokes.

Yani played some great golf at Panther Creek, with all four rounds in the 60's. She carded a 67-66-66-68 for a -21 total of 267.

Second place was up for grabs, with Brittany Lincicome trying to keep hold of those reigns right up until the final 2 holes, when Cristie Kerr took over. Cristie came out on fire Sunday, with a focus and determination that could not be stopped. She finished at -18. While it wasn't enough to catch Yani, it was enough to take 2nd place soley. Third place was then shared by Brittany Lincicome and Paula Creamer at -16.

I volunteered again at this year's tourney in Springfield. It was great fun and I enjoyed every minute of it except the 4:30 am wake up calls @ my hotel. I take some time away from the 'ol job, to travel to Springfield and volunteer. While the days are quite long and arduous with the heat (which was over 100 heat index wed and thursday), the enjoyment surpassed it all.

I was able to speak with Yani and get photos with her, as well as Karen Stupples and Amanda Blumenhurst. I have met many of the ladies of the LPGA through volunteering at this event. Yani is very kind and soft spoken and always willing to speak to or have a photo with her fans. Karen Stupples was hitting her Wilson irons like nobody's business on the driving range when I met up with her. I was also able to meet Mary, the wilson rep who was there.

Another favorite, Christina Kim was walking from the range to the putting green before Sunday's final round, when a very nice gentleman in a wheelchair offered her his silver good luck penny. He stated that this had brought his father great luck and he wanted Christina to carry this for her final round. She was very touched by the gesture and met up with him after the round to return it. He only wished it would've given her better luck. Christina had a great following and the welcome on the 18th hole was huge to say the least. Although she ended up finishing in a tie for 35th, she was a winner in the fan department!

The only sadness over the tournament, is the fact that StateFarm was pulling their sponsorship of this event, after this year's tourney. To date, there is not another sponsor known. I hope that there will be one found, as Mike Whan was in town for the event and I'm sure to attend some meetings regarding this. Panther Creek is a great course. Ideally, a sponsor will be found in hopes to keep the tourney at Panther Creek. The people living on the course are so welcoming and actually house several of the players throughout the tourney. The tourney started at Panther Creek in 2007, after being played at The Rail (also in Springfield), from 1976-2006. Keep your fingers crossed that the ladies will return to Springfield next year!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..........