From the Detroit Golf Club to the TPC Deere Run it’s just under seven hours by car. Shortly after leaving Chicago to the right, if you take Interstate 55 south you reach Bloomington. There is the University of Indiana. An unnecessary detour to take to Silvis, this week’s John Deere stage, except for Jorge Campillo, who spent his best years as an amateur there, between 2005 and 2009.
Campillo had planned this visit for a long time, between the Rocket Mortgage Classic and the John Deere Classic. There was no better place to lick his wounds after a dreadful week of putting. “I’m considering using DeChambeau‘s arm lock, look if I start to get desperate,” he tells Ten Golf with his usual sarcasm. For now, it seems that things are not going to get worse, but Jorge hopes that his bad streak on the greens will change soon.
The visit to the University of Indiana has been a kind of express spiritual retreat. He hadn’t been there for a while and the memories all came flooding back. They were happy years for Campillo. He was (and is) an idol, one of the best golfers in history alongside Jeff Overton. Practically as soon as he walked through the university door they recognised him. His coach at the time, Mike Mayer, who still holds the position today, still maintains a kind of altar dedicated to Jorge in his office, with a trophy, a photo and several items from the Extremadura native. It’s admiration and affection.
Jorge took the time to get to know the new golf course, the pride of the University. He played it from the back, 7,800 yards, and made it under par. Campillo doesn’t understand a day off without playing golf. That’s how he lives it. He shared a round with Mayer and they took the opportunity to catch up. He also visited the facilities and even took a walk around the bar he used to go to when he was studying there. As I said: a heartwarming trip back in time to recharge batteries.
This Thursday the action kicks off at the John Deere Classic and it’s time to get back to work. You have to add up. The TPC Deere Run has caught Jorge’s eye. The first impression has been very good. It’s a shame about the downpour that fell on Tuesday night and has softened the greens a bit, but they still seem to be firmer than in Detroit, where the recoil effects could reach 20 metres. Crazy.
This week, besides Campillo, who has the mission of continuing to add FedEx Cup points in his goal of keeping the American card, we have in contention Jordan Spieth, who won here in 2013 as a newcomer, Zach Johnson, Sepp Straka, Jason Day, Lucas Glover or Nick Dunlap. Also repeating are the young Neal Shipley and the amateur Luke Clanton.
