Kerr holds on to claim victory

Cristie Kerr's experience was too much for Christina Kim's youthful exuberance.

Kerr claimed her third tournament of the year Sunday, overcoming a shaky final round and a strong challenge from Kim to win the State Farm Classic.

Kerr, who held a four-stroke lead entering the fourth round, squandered her advantage but regained the lead with a birdie at the 17th. She recovered from a bad tee shot at No. 18 by getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker, finishing at 3-under 69 for a tournament record total of 24-under 264.

Kim birdied No. 14 and made eagle at the par-5 15th to take the lead. But she fell a stroke back after a bogey at the 16th and missed a 4-foot birdie putt at the 18th that would have forced a playoff.

Kerr admits she played well, but knows the results could have been different.

``This one is definitely unique and a different way to win,'' Kerr said. ``I feel like I had the lead and came from behind to win.''

The 20-year-old Kim burst into tears along with her father, who was also her caddie, just off the 18th green. She was sorely disappointed but knows there will be other opportunities to win on tour.

``Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come this far,'' Kim said. ``I'm very proud of myself ... I've got so many years ahead of me and so many rounds of golf ahead of me.''

Kerr, who won the Takefuji Classic in April and ShopRite Classic in June, beat the previous tournament record of 21-under, set in 2001 by Kate Golden. The winning total is the lowest on tour this year, surpassing Karen Stupples' 22-under at the Welch's/Fry's Championship.

Kerr was three strokes off the LPGA's 72-hole mark of 27-under set by Annika Sorenstam in the 2001 Standard Register PING.

Mi Hyun Kim closed with a 5-under 67 and finished third at 18-under 270. Pat Hurst was fourth at 15-under 273 after a 67. Lorena Ochoa, coming off a win last week, shot a 70 and was among five players at 14-under 274.

Jennifer Rosales, who started the day in third place at 15 under, closed with a disappointing 75 and tied for 11th at 12-under 276.

After players blistered the 6,558-yard, par-72 Rail Golf Course in the first three rounds, brisk winds kept scores largely in check Sunday.

Kim, a second-year pro looking for her first win, put herself in good position after getting to 16-under through two rounds, including a tournament record-tying 10-under 62 Thursday. Her previous best finish this year was two sixth-places, and she was 35th in tour winnings.

Kim took the lead with a birdie-eagle surge at Nos. 14-15. She pumped her fist after each putt, drawing huge cheers. But a wayward tee shot and two poor chips led to a bogey at 16.

The stoic Kerr then birdied 17, but got into trouble at the 18th when her tee shot landed behind a small tree. Her second shot landed in a bunker, and she got to within 3 feet with her third shot.

Kim hit her approach within 4 feet, but her short birdie putt lipped out. Kerr then rolled in the winning par putt.

Kim said the pressure was incredible on the final few holes.

``I don't think in my entire life I've ever felt so many emotions,'' Kim said.

Kerr, who earned $180,000, said the momentum switch at No. 16 was crucial, and she won by staying calm -- despite adversity at the 18th.

``I dug deep and I found a way to totally go within myself and be at peace,'' Kerr said.

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