Cristie Kerr shot a three-under-par 69 to win the LPGA Lorena Ochoa Invitational by one stroke from Angela Stanford and Inbee Park Sunday at the Guadalajara Country Club.
Kerr fired four rounds in the 60s to become the third U.S. winner in the five years of the tournament.
Kerr quickly got into her stride on the first nine to wipe out Park's overnight two-shot lead. After moving to the top of the leader board with a birdie at the par five ninth, she then missed a tiny putt on the short 13th to give the South Korean a glimmer of hope. But Kerr hit back immediately with a birdie on the par four 14th, as Park carded a five, and the American held her nerve through the final holes.
Kerr, 35, wrapped up her first victory since June 2010 – and her 15th LPGA title – by holing a testing uphill four-foot putt on the final green.
Kerr was overcome with emotion at the prize-giving ceremony and wiped away a few tears as she thanked husband Erik Stevens for his support during a difficult two years.
Kerr was also tearful as she embraced tournament host Lorena Ochoa, who finished tied in 18th place in her first LPGA start in two years.
Kerr and Ochoa are close friends and the winner said: "I admire Lorena not only for what she’s done in golf but also for what she’s done with her foundation and for the kids in Mexico."
Ochoa, who retired from the LPGA Tour in 2010 at the age of 28 to marry and start a family, said she "had tremendous fun on the course, with absolutely no pressure to win."
Kerr's 200,000-dollar winner's check brings her career earnings to more than 14 million dollars.
Stacy Lewis of the United States finished tied for fourth on 12 under par to clinch the coveted LPGA Rolex Player of the Year award.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
