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Posted on 06/26/2010 5:22:34 PM PDT by Zuben Elgenubi
Cristie Kerr widens lead heading into final round
By Craig Potter, staff writer
Pittsford, N.Y. —
Cristie Kerr continued her bid to be the first American to win the LPGA Championship since Juli Inkster in 2000 as the native from Miami, FL., continued to top the leaderboard after Round 3 on Saturday at Locust Hill Country Club.
Kerr battled through the elements to shoot a 3-under-par 69 for a 54-hole total 203. Her 8-stroke lead after 54 holes is the largest ever in the LPGA Championship, breaking the previous record of seven, set by Mickey Wright in 1961.
"It's very important to get my name in the record books," said Kerr. "One of the ways that we get more American girls playing golf is having an American winning. I am fine with carrying that burden. It doesn't bother me, that's how I got involved in the game.
"I was watching the US Open and having Patty Sheehan, Juli Inkster, Nancy Lopez, and Beth Daniel, all of the greats winning tournaments, that's what inspired me into golf. If there weren't TV, and I didn't watch them on TV, I'd never be sitting here."
Kerr is striving to win her second Major. She captured the US Open in 2007.
Q: After 54 holes, how does this course compare with other LPGA Championship courses you have played?
A: It's playing tough. I'm having an exceptional performance, so far. The rest of the field is about where I thought everybody would be, including myself. I'm happy I'm way ahead, and I am hoping to go further ahead. I can't get ahead of myself. I have to have some wine tonight, get a good night's sleep and get out here and play golf tomorrow.
Q: New York State wine?
A: I'm experimenting with New York State wine, Finger Lakes. They make a good wine.
Miyazato, whose previous best finish was a fourth place at the LPGA Corning Classic and a fourth at the Wegmans LPGA, played even par after a double-boggy on 18 to finish in a three-way tie for second with Azahara Munoz and Jimin Kang at 211.
Miyazato, a 20-year-old from Japan, pulled to within three strokes with a birdie on the 10th hole as Kerr bogied the hole. Both golfers birdied No. 11, however, Kerr birdied the 12th hole to take a 4-shot lead once again. Kerr pulled ahead by six strokes on the 13th hole with a birdie as Miyazato bogied the hole.
Miyazato is no relation to Ai Miyazato, from Japan who turned 25 on June 19, and carded a 2-under-par 70 to be +1 for the tournament at 217.
Spain's Munoz and Kang, originally from South Korea, each shot a 2-under-par 70 to share second place at 211, eight strokes behind Kerr.
The last two LPGA Championships were won by rookies, of which Munoz is one this year.
"This is my first Major as a pro. I just want to have a good time," Munoz said. "Cristie is eight shots ahead. I don't think it's going to be reachable, but I will give it a try."
Kerr also is vying to become the No. 1 ranked player in the world, and can do so with a victory plus Ai Miyazato does not finish second on Sunday. She is six shots out of second place.
Final round starts earlier
The final round of the LPGA Championship Presented by Wegmans will tee off at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, instead of the usual 8:30 start.
Kerr is paired with Kang as the final twosome to tee off at 12:40 p.m. on Sunday.
Craig Potter can be reached at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 351, or e-mail: cpotter@messengerpostmedia.com
Email me if you want on the Golf Ping List:
Visit PGA.com, an excellent site.
I'm certainly wrong here.
Say, what are the current standing in the World Cup?
Leo, you’re welcome in the Golf Ping Country Club anytime. From your post, I’m guessing you’d like a seat at the bar?
Paula Creamer cleans up really nice.
Two birdies on the front side and two birdies on the back side.
I'm sorta new at it, only having played it for just 45 years.
Women's professional golf is a failed enterprise. It does not make money.
Vuvuzela sales, on the other hand, are on the rise...
Not in this tournament, Moonman62. Paula has shot 71, 72, 74 to finish the third round +2.
Gulbis is -1 and Pressel is -4. None of the girls in that photo are in contention except Kerr.
Yes she does. She is the best looking golfer on the LPGA tour.
Gotta love their golf sock tan lines :-) I know that’s the first thing all you guys noticed.
Looking at how white their feet are proves they are golfers :)
Cheers,
knewshound
Nice sights, eh?
lol, you beat me to it!
We’re slipping, it took 14 posts.
Why am I not on the golf ping list?!!!
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