A Look at the Women's U.S. Open

Great Play by both the Champion and Runner-up

Jul 3, 2007

Cristie Kerr didn't flinch down the stretch during the conclusion of the U.S. Open. Likewise, Lorena Ochoa didn't collapse as she has been portrayed to have done.

Afte becoming the reigning U. S. Open champion on Sunday, Cristie Kerr was asked how it felt to have been overlooked and overshadowed by Annika Sorenstam, Ochoa, even Michelle Wie. Rather than telling a half-truth and saying she doesn't pay attention to such things, she admitted it bothered her a bit. Refreshing to hear after the incessant "I don't look at the leaderboard" nonsense.

The Majors force unnatural golf swings down the stretch and Kerr was committed to not being the first to twitch, when all it takes is but one twitch to loose. Her play was spectacular nearly all week with only one three-putt and a minimal three bogeys over the last 45 holes. Such great play and with the number one player in the world, Lorena Ochoa, close at hand. Her first major and an exceptional win against the top player. She could not have written it better.

Lorena Ochoa played great golf as well. Contrary to what many sensationalists may say, she didn't fold, choke, twitch, flop or anything of the sort. She played a strong golf tournament through the end. It is unfortunate that she will, at the young age of 25, be forced to answer questions related to the best-player-never-to-have-won-a-major idiocy. Like Tiger, she's going to be near the top, in every tournament, every week. To her credit, she remains confident in her abilities, as she well should. Her time will come, and with a vengeance. What a great story it will be when she wins the British Open at St. Andrews in a few weeks.

Also in contention during the back-nine on Sunday was Se Ri Pak, who closed with a 68 to finish 4th, her best finish in several weeks. American Morgan Pressel followed a third-round 69 with a 77 on Sunday. To her credit, she hung in until late in the game and finished tied for 14th.

The Women's British Open will be played over the Old Course at St. Andrews August 2-5. This year is an historic one, as it will mark the first women's professional championship to be played at "the home of golf." It will mark only the second time the championship has been held in Scotland, the first coming in 2002 when Karrie Webb won at Turnberry. Sherri Steinhauer will try to defend her title this year in what should prove to be a highly competitive tournament and a very entertaining championship.

The copyright of the article A Look at the Women's U.S. Open in LPGA is owned by Alan L. Hammond. Permission to republish A Look at the Women's U.S. Open in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.