A Weekend for the Women

The US Women's Open this year was jam packed with excitement and incident. The competition finished in gentle sunny weather with an ecstatic, long awaited win by Cristie Kerr (and her magic putter from Korea). I couldn't be happier about the outcome. The idea of karma comes to mind regarding this win for Kerr. It was the 10^th victory for the bubbly 29 year old, in her 10^th year with the LPGA!
[Photo: Cristie Kerr celebrates victory with husband Erik Stevens - CHRIS KEANE / REUTERS]

One can recall her touching victory at the Canadian Women's Open last year, where a fan gave Cristie a special coin he'd held with him as his wife defeated breast cancer. She went on to play magnificently and accredited her win to that very significant quarter. Cristie's a true philanthropist, having started the Birdies for Breast Cancer organization in 2003. She ties her two passions by personally donating $50 for every birdie she makes and hosting many golf related events. As a result of her direct involvement with the effort she was honored with the LPGA Komen Award last year. I can't think of a better person to be the star of women's golf!
There were many of bumps along the way at this year's Open in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Thunderstorms interrupted the third round and marked the end of 12 year old Alexis Thompson's record breaking debut at the Open. Annika and Michelle were both held back by their prior injuries, while the other leaders of this year's Open, including Lorena Ochoa, just couldn't grasp hold of the lead. You gotta love golf ... nothing is ever predictable.

Check out the complete scores.