Underrated Steinhauer wins State Farm Classic

BY Bruce Young | LPGA Tour | 2007 State Farm Classic | Round Four | 03 Sep 2007

Sherri Steinhauer today won the State Farm Classic in Springfield Illinois, a strong finish getting her home by just one shot over Cristina Kim, who herself produced four birdies in her last six holes to all but catch the winner.

Steinhauer is somewhat of a quite achiever on the LPGA Tour, not receiving the fanfare that many others enjoy but her record tells the story of a player who should be considered amongst the best in recent years. She has won two majors and this win was her 8th LPGA Tour victory. Her season to date in 2007 had not been particularly good but she beat a good field and she may well be headed for a big finish to the season.

Annika Sorenstam finished with a final round of 67 to share third with Australian Rachel Hetherington with Sorenstam producing her best finish since her injury earlier in the season. Still winless on the LPGA Tour in 2007, Sorenstam may not remain that way for long.

Hetherington has not won since 2003 but today recorded her best finish since November of 2005. It was an encouraging week for her after a series of ordinary finishes on the LPGA Tour of late.

Karrie Webb was the only other Australian to make the cut and she finished 52nd.

The LPGA Tour will now move to Arkansas for this week’s NW Arkansas Championship.