Cool ascends to a new level

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

Paula Creamer grabbed a sandwich between the 12th and the 13th hole Saturday.

Paula Creamer hasn't posted a major victory yet, but that opportunity comes today. And she's both calm and excited about her chances.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: June 28, 2008 - 10:10 PM

Paula Creamer was a teenager on the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team that competed at Interlachen Country Club in 2002. Her lasting memory was carrying the bag of her idol, veteran Juli Inkster, up the 18th fairway.

"It was the coolest day I've ever had," Creamer said.

She has a chance to top it today.

Creamer will be in the final pairing on the final day of the U.S. Women's Open after firing a 4-under-par 69 on Saturday. She is 8 under for the tournament, one shot behind leader Stacy Lewis.

"I couldn't ask for any better position," Creamer said. "If somebody had said you'll be 8 under par going into Sunday, I would take it in a heartbeat. I just have to go out and finish the deal. The golf course sets up really well to my game. And possibly it's my time."

A victory in a major is the only thing missing from Creamer's glowing résumé. Ranked No. 4 in the world, Creamer had a distinguished amateur career and now has six career victories on the LPGA tour.

Her six victories are tied for the second most among active players who have not won a major.

Creamer's best career finish in a major came in 2005, when she tied for third at the LPGA Championship. Her best finish in five U.S. Open appearances is a tie for 13th in 2004.

Creamer has fielded numerous questions about winning a major this week, and she hasn't wavered in her answers. She said she's excited but not putting too much pressure on herself.

"I've been really calm the last three days," she said. "I'm trying to take momentum when it happens and keep it going. I'm just really having a lot of fun and trying not to put too much pressure on myself. I feel really confident."

Her play reflects that. Creamer made five birdies, one bogey and a 18-foot par-saving putt on No. 15 Saturday. She birdied four of the five par 5s in the round, giving her 14 birdies through three rounds.

"As long as I put myself in position on Sunday, that's all you can do," Creamer said. "I'll go out and enjoy myself, play good golf and stick with the game plan that I've had."

It has worked so far.

Today she will be in the final pairing with a chance to make a new memory at Interlachen.

"I'm going to be excited," she said. "I'll have a lot of jitters just like everybody else. That's what makes the U.S. Open what it is."