Kerr expresses few regrets over final day of title defense

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Cristie Kerr approached Annika Sorenstam for a parting hug at the end of their round together on the 18th green.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: June 29, 2008 - 11:16 PM

Defending U.S. Women's Open champion Cristie Kerr shot 2 over par in the final round Sunday and finished even for the tournament, nine shots behind winner Inbee Park.

Kerr did not appear overly frustrated with her performance.

"I actually hit it a lot better than the score today," she said. "I felt my speed was just a little off on the greens."

Sitting at 3 under par early in the final round, Kerr essentially knocked herself out of contention with a double-bogey on the par-3 No. 4. Kerr never recovered and added another double bogey at No. 9.

"I shot 2 over with two doubles so I fought really hard," she said. "It didn't play easy out there."

Kerr's trouble began when her tee shot at No. 4 found the bunker. Her bunker shot went over the green. She then chipped about 8 feet short of the cup and two-putted.

Kerr threw her ball into the water behind the green as she walked to the fifth tee.

"We took the club that we thought for sure wouldn't go over [the green] and I hit a rocket," she said. "The wind died a little bit. That's just the way it went."

Kerr shot 75 in each of the final two rounds, but she was more upset with her third-round performance on Saturday. Specifically, she played the four par-3s in 5 over (bogey, two double bogeys and par).

Even so, Kerr said she enjoyed the experience -- and pressure -- of playing the U.S. Open as the defending champion.

"I definitely enjoyed it," she said. "I shot myself in the foot a little bit with the way I hit it [Saturday]. "But I came out today and played like a champ."

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