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Going for broke

Stupples, Barrett tied for lead at State Farm Rail Classic

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Posted: Saturday September 04, 1999 09:53 PM

A good finish will help Karen Stupples move up from her current position of 171 on the LPGA money list. AP

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- LPGA rookie Karen Stupples and Tina Barrett, whose only win came in 1989, shot 8-under-par 64s Saturday and shared the first-round lead at the State Farm Rail Classic.

Stupples, a 26-year-old native of England who played at Florida State, has won just $9,375 this year and getting off to a quick start in this 54-hole event could help her meet a goal.

"At this late stage of the season, I'll probably only get into one more event. I need to play my way into the top 125 on the money list to make qualifying school less of an issue than it is right now," said Stupples, currently ranked 171st.

Barrett rode a hot putter to 10 birdies in her round on the 6,403-yard The Rail Golf Course and she managed the 64 despite a double-bogey on the par-4, 378-yard third hole.

"This ties my career low that I shot this year in St. Louis," Barrett said. "Ten birdies is more than half the holes, so that's not bad."

Tied for third at 65 were Janice Moodie and Lisa Hackney, both from England.

"It's good to see her do well," Moodie said of Stupples, with whom she played on the English amateur circuit prior to turning pro.

"Being so far from home, it's nice to have them around," Stupples said.

At 66 were 1996 Rail champion Michelle McGann, Shelley Hamlin and Mi Hyun Kim.

Local favorite Mary Beth Zimmerman, a native of nearby Hillsboro, rolled in a birdie putt on her final hole to finish in a group of 12 at 67.

Dottie Pepper, who won last week's LPGA event in Ohio, was in the group at 67.

Juli Inkster, a four-time winner on tour this year, had a 68. Making her first appearance at the Rail since she was a rookie in 1983, Inkster needs one win to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Pearl Sinn, last year's Rail winner, had a 69.

Heralded phenom Grace Park finished with a 76. Though disappointed, the NCAA champion termed her first professional tournament an "experience builder" for next year, when she will be an official LPGA rookie.

"I wasn't pushing myself to play well," said Park, who was playing on a sponsor's exemption. "I felt like I didn't have a goal."

The tournament concludes on Labor Day and first prize is $116,250.

 

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