State Farm Classic

Hello Everyone, Lotta checking in again. It's been a while, but I hope it's worth the wait. : )

I'm in Springfield, Illinois hometown of Lincoln and home state for the State Farm Classic. The LPGA has played in Springfield for over 25 years and this is one of the oldest tournaments on the schedule.

I tee up tomorrow at 1:49 PM with Stephanie Louden and Hannah Jun from tee 10. It's very warm here in Springfield so yesterday in my practice round my fellow players caddie collapsed on the 18th tee box from a combination of the heat and not enough electrolytes in his system.

The course, Panther Creek Country Club, we are playing is different from last year. It is in very good condition compared to last year when they had a drought which meant not much grass on the greens. This year there has been a lot of rain so the greens have a lot of grass and the rough is very high. Before last year the venue was a public course called The Rail, which had been the original host of the tournament. The best thing about going to a "small town" for a tournament is that the whole community gets involved in the event and come out to watch the tournament.

Right now I am sitting in the players lunch room and I just enjoyed a nice salad that I mixed up topped with some grilled glazed pork loin. This afternoon I am going to go and help some of the players with their putting after a lot of requests this morning. I'm happy and a little surprised they are asking me for help. This has never really happened, but I'm drawing interest now that I work at the ANNIKA Academy.

This is my second event of the year and I really enjoy "getting out" of my office and back to my old job, but I must admit that I would rather have it the way I have it now. I enjoy playing a few events here and there rather than being out here all year long. The traveling conditions have changed a bit since I was a rookie on tour 12 years ago. It's almost impossible to arrive in the next town on time and with all of my luggage (after paying an additional fee for an overweight golf bag which is impossible to keep under 50 lbs).

Hope you enjoy my little update from "life on the road" from an LPGA Tour golfer. Send me good thoughts this week.

Take Care,

Lotta

Comments

[Annika the Cat]

Hi Lotta,

Very good post. After a few of your tips I'll bet we see those players at the ANNIKA Academy. :-)

Have fun and my paws are crossed that you play some good golf on Day 1.

Go Lotta!!!!

AtC

[Peg]

Hi Lotta,
Good luck State Farm Classic.
Go Lotta!!!!!

[B. K.]

What a compliment when other players seek you out!
I hope to meet you and have you help me with my game some time in the next couple of years.
I,m really looking forward to my first Academy visit! Good luck this week!
BK

[Buzz]

Nice diary you write for us fans. Good luck, my pixie friend.

[Katie]

Hi Charlotta!
Good luck this week!
~Katie

[Jeanette Jones]

Charlotta. Thanks so much for the update you sent out advising of your return to play in the LPGA State Farm Tournament this week. Hopefully the Putting Tips that you shared with some of your fellow competitors will also be the tips that work personally for you as you move up the leaderboard. I am taking this opportunity to thank you for the Tips you have placed on Annika's Blog. Very helpful. All good wishes for your success in Springfield.

[Shauna]

Hey Lotta!

Good luck!!

Shauna

[Golf54deciple]

Lotta,
So glad you've let us know whassup with you!! Of cource we'll cheer, gladly!

Thnx for gving a little comparison of Tour-life vs Academy-life. Girrllll, I feel for you with all the hoops one has to jump through to fly these days. They slap a big fee for hauling a tour-size golf bag I bet.

Wanted you to know that my Sis and I will make our way to the Academy early spring '09 for lessons with you and fitness instruction from Kai!! Just to say it makes me giggle with glee!!

Get to order my X20's tomorrow so they'll be warmed up & ready when I make my way to sunny Florida.

I'm NOT at all surprised that your peers are seeking you out . . . they didn't know what a gem they had . . . until now I guess.

Have the best time ever this weekend and knock their socks off!!

[Grammybec]

Lotta,
Sorry I can't be with you these next two days but I will keep in touch. Good Luck and see you on they leader board!
Bec

[Charlotta]

To Everyone,

Thank you for your nice comments and cheers.
I just finished a nice dinner cooked by the last posters (Bec) husband Al. Now we all are going to relax in front of the TV.
See you all soon....either here or at the ANNNIKA Academy!
Lotta

[Ray]

Charlotta,

I'm not sure if I will be able to make it down from Chicago this weekend to see any of the play in person. However, I wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed speaking with you when you have been in the gallery following your sister (including last year's tourney in Springfield). As a fan, I appreciate the fact that you, your mom and your dad have been willing to talk with me (I suppose it helps that I am not bashful about starting up a conversation). I have watched you play a few times at the Kraft Nabisco and at the old Kellogg Keebler event here outside Chicago, and have always thought that you have a good golf swing but an uncooperative putter that has kept you from scoring well. Just believe in your ability and I'm sure you will shoot some low scores. Good luck and play well. If I don't make it to the tournament, I hope to see you on TV on Sunday playing in the last group and contending for the championship.

Ray

[Howard & Helen]

Charlotta,

Glad to see you are back in with the "big girls" this week. The tour's loss is The Academy's gain and so many students are benefiting from your excellent teaching.

We followed Stephanie Louden in the 1999 US Open when she was a student at Stanford. She was Stephanie Keever then. She is a very nice young lady.

Have fun in Springfield!