Kerr compiling an impressive career
Cristie Kerr always talked bigger than her game, and she might last long enough on the LPGA Tour to back it up.
Nearly five months after knee surgery, and a recovery that took twice as long as expected, Kerr won the LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii last week in a manner that surprised everyone but her. She was on the wrong side of the cut 11 holes into her second round, ran off 21 birdies over the next 43 holes at Ko Olina, won by three shots and set the tournament’s 72-hole record.
She referred to the final round as an “epic day.”
“I wasn’t playing too well, and then I just found something and was able to turn it on and I just kept going,” Kerr said. “Like, it was an unbelievable run.”
About the only thing that momentarily chilled her enthusiasm was a question related to her age. Kerr, who turns 40 in October, was asked what it was like to compete against so many players almost young enough to be her children.
“You know what? Sergio Garcia just won the Masters, nobody talked about his age, so I think we need to stop talking about age out here, shall we?” she said. “Yeah. That’s all I have to say about that.”
And then she went on to say plenty.
“Very few players are lucky enough like I am to have a career as long as I’ve had and be competitive as long as I’ve been competitive,” Kerr said. “Having that experience and being competitive, it’s an advantage.”
That’s what makes her career so compelling.
The best players of Kerr’s generation qualified for the pointsbased LPGA Hall of Fame much younger, and much quicker. Annika Sorenstam was inducted at age 33. Karrie Webb and Se Ri Pak were 30 at their inductions. Inbee Park qualified when she was 27.
Odds – and age – are against Kerr reaching the 27 points required for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Players get one point for an LPGA victory, Vare Trophy and Player of the Year award, and two points for a major. Her victory in Hawaii put her at 21 points.
Kerr’s hallmark has been remarkable consistency, a reliable putter and no shortage of self-belief.
“She’s a grinder,” said Dottie Pepper, who has turned to broadcasting after her career was cut short by a shoulder injury.