STATE FARM CLASSIC 

THE RAIL GOLF COURSE

SPRINGFIELD, IL 

My player this week is Jill McGill

Monday: Walked the course and nothing has changed even the mediocre condition of the fairways. An over abundance of precipitation has left them soft and spotty. The greens, as usual, are in tip-top shape.  

Although Jill didn't have a stellar finish on Sunday, third place is better than a poke in the eye. I have a feeling a breakthrough is imminent and this week would be a great place for it to happen.

Tuesday: Played a handful of holes then spent the rest of our practice time on the putting green and the range. Worked on putting alignment and just being more relaxed at address.

Left the clubs with Paul for regripping and our day was done.

Wednesday: Had a 1:20 pro-am time which seemed to drag on forever. With all of the par 5's reachable there is plenty of time standing around. We were both drained at the finish but still managed to get in a little practice.

Thursday: We were paired with Laura Davies and Karen Stupples so there was no shortage of tape measure tee balls. Distance always helps but you still have to get the ball in the hole. Putting is the name of the game at The Rail.

Karen had the yanks and was in trouble early and never got it going.. Jill had to bring it back, being 2 over after eight, and finished with a respectable 2 under. Laura had it to -4 with three to play but doubled 16 and bogied 17.

The 15th, 16th and 17th are the key holes on this track. They all have water in play around the green and side slopes are shaved to the nub. If you miss the green on the water side it's bye-bye.

Speaking of the 16th, Jennifer Rosales, playing in the group in front of us, aced it! The pin was only 8 yards on which is the toughest placement on that hole. This is the 2nd week in a row the group in front had one.

Friday: There's good news and bad news. The bad news  is that Jill could not have struck the ball and putted much worse than she did today, but the good news is she still shot 2 under par! We were all over the lot and left quite a few birds dead in short. Luckily, after a few minutes on the rock pile (the range) she realized her weight was too far over the ball. After a  slight adjustment Jill was hitting the livin' terd out of the ball.

Concentration is a key element in golf and a restless night for Jill  left her a bit scatter-brained today. I know the feeling but I can fake it enough to get by. When your the one that's hitting the shots and making the mental decisions it can be a challenge.

It seems Jill always has a tune in her head when she arrives at the course so I nicknamed her Jilly-Vanilli. She says it is quite apropos since lip syncing would be the best way for her to sing.

Saturday: It's amazing what the short walk from the driving range to the first tee will do. Jill was puring it with every club especially the "big dog" but when it came time to tee it up it was if "Mr. Hyde" raised his ugly head and took control. Even with the inconsistent ball striking Jill was 5 under after 6 holes! But it became too much of a struggle and we gave two back shooting a respectable -3. If she could take the course tomorrow we'll go deep. 

Had a super time at Randy and Linda's place last night with a BBQ and an endless supply of Miller Light. Jill and Dave, Jill's guy, are their guests for the week and we were joined by Leslie Spalding, Pam Kerrigan and Kim Saiki. Jill made some dynamite guacamole and a spinach-strawberry-almond salad. Throw in some corn on the cob, gilled chicken and some burgers and t'was a perfect repast.

Jill picked up "Catch Phrase", an electronic game, for the entertainment portion of the festivities and it was an absolute blast. It was the LPGA  against the rest of us with the players coming back for the win in OT. We had just the right mix of mirthful competitiveness to make to make it thoroughly enjoyable. If Kim would have just come up with a good clue for ferry, e.g. The Staton Island?, Jill would have experienced contentment.

Sunday: The ugliness continued. This was the 2nd day in a row Jill didn't feel right setting up over the ball and it showed. Finished with a 74. Shooting 2 over on Sunday at The Rail  is like licking a dirty ashtray. It just leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.

But Tulsa is a new week and a fresh start. Heard it's in great shape and will be set up tough.