COLORADO SPRINGS — Cristie Kerr’s closing comment Sunday as dusk set in on The Broadmoor said it all.
It was obvious the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open champion was eager to get some separation after a long day of golf. She will return today to play the final two holes on the East Course, with a chance to add the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open title to her resume.
“The U.S. Open always is tough,” Kerr shot back as she left the golf course and headed for some well-earned rest. “The conditions here were really tough. I don’t think people realize how difficult that back nine is, and with 40-mph wind it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Kerr’s final round was called to a halt after the 16th hole, with her two shots back of Hee Kyung Seo of South Korea. Seo completed her 18 holes with a 3-under-par 281 total before action was stopped.
“I think she is over there celebrating,” Kerr said of Seo. “We all still have a chance. I’m playing great. I’m going to swing for the fences and hopefully tie it up. It’s not over yet.”
So Yeon Ryu of South Korea, who stopped after completing No. 15, is between Seo and Kerr, only one stroke off the pace.
Asked if play in her U.S. Open win in 2007 was comparable to this tournament, Kerr focused on the weather conditions that plagued this year’s Open as the main difference.
Rain and lightning called a halt to play all four days of the tournament so far.
“It has been a very long week,” Kerr said. “I’m excited I get to come out here and finish it tomorrow. Playing the last two holes in the dark wouldn’t have been fun. I’ll come out fresh and rested tomorrow. I’m going to give it my all.”
Kerr was cruising along Sunday, staying just under par and behind Seo, Ryu and Angela Stanford. Stanford dropped back, but Kerr needed a run to catch the two leaders.
“It was frustrating when we had to stop play,” Kerr said. “I birdied the first hole back to go 2-under.”
But she missed a long putt on the 11th and stayed 1-under the rest of the round.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
