BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Cristie Kerr is feeling a sense of calm only a former U.S. Women’s Open champion could understand.
Armed with the knowledge of what it takes to win the championship, the 2007 winner is set to make a push for another title.
Kerr scrambled for a 1-over-par 72 on Saturday and pulled away from struggling playing partner Paula Creamer and built a two-shot lead over Eun Hee Ji of South Korea after three rounds of the Women’s Open.
Kerr was the only player with a subpar score — 2-under 211 — after three rounds on the narrow fairways and speedy, undulating greens of Saucon Valley Country Club.
Now, Kerr is in a position to claim her second title in three years. She’s looking forward to the fourth-round challenge and playing in the lead.
“There really isn’t a better place for me,” the 12-time LPGA Tour winner said after two birdies and three bogeys. “I love this golf course.
“I feel good. I’m sure there’s going to be some nerves in the morning. But I’ve been there. I know I can handle it.”
Futures Tour player Jean Reynolds is an unlikely challenger for the title despite two wins on the developmental tour this year.
The 24-year-old from Georgia started two strokes back and was one off the lead before stumbling down the stretch.
She closed with a bogey at 15 and back-to-back bogeys at 17 and 18 on the way to a 3-over 74. She’s tied for third at 2-over 215 with Teresa Lu of Taiwan, who had a 1-under 70.
Reynolds is eager to make a run at the national title in just her second Women’s Open.
“I love being in the hunt on Sunday,” said the Futures Tour’s leading money winner this season. “I just enjoy having the chance to win . . . and if I stumble, I try not to let it get to me.”
South Korea’s In-Kyung Kim (72) and Hee Young Park (72) and Taiwan’s Candie Kung (3-under 68) are tied for fifth at 3-over 216.
Brittany Lincicome had a 2-over 73, Suzann Pettersen had a 1-over 72 and Kyeong Bae of South Korea had a 2-under 69 and are tied for eighth at 4-over 217.
