The Golf Watch

11-year tour veteran, Kerr, wins first major championship

Cristie Kerr, who had nine wins on the LPGA Tour coming into this week, captured her first major championship at the US Women's Open at Pine Needles.  Kerr fired a 1-under 70 to finish 5-under overall, two strokes better than Lorena Ochoa, the world's number one golfer, and Angela Park, the 36-hole leader.  " She really was on a mission this week.  And you could tell it," said Golf Channel Analyst Laura Baugh.  As for Ochoa, she is still seeking her first major championship win.  "One of the things we know about Lorena Ochoa is she hits the greens, she gives herself a lot of chances for birdies.  She did not do that today," said Baugh. 

Kerr shoots 66 to take third round lead, Ochoa and Pressel trail by one

Cristie Kerr finished her third round Sunday morning and shot a 5-under 66, giving the 29-year-old a one stroke lead heading into the final round later this afternoon.  Kerr has never held the 54-hole lead of a major championship before.  The world's number one golfer, Lorena Ochoa, and Morgan Pressel, who won the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this year, trail Kerr by one stroke.  Kerr, Ochoa, and Pressel tee off at 12:45 p.m.