Kerr Wins Lorena Ochoa Invitational for First Title in Two Years


Cristie Kerr shot a 3-under 69 Sunday to win the Lorena Ochoa Invitational by a stroke. The $1 million, 72-hole tournament hosted by the retired LPGA Tour star began Thursday at Guadalajara Country Club in Ochoa's home country of Mexico.

The 35-year-old Kerr posted six birdies and three bogeys Sunday to finish at 16-under 272, edging fellow American Angela Stanford, who shot a 68, and 54-hole leader, Inbee Park (72).

The win, worth $200,000, was the 15th in Kerr's illustrious career but her first since the 2010 LPGA Championship.

"Coming in those last couple of holes it didn't feel like I had won before," Kerr said. "I kind of just squeaked in. I won by a shot. That's all that it takes. I've lost plenty of tournaments by a shot, but winning by a shot feels a lot better."

Sharing fourth at 276 were Candie Kung and Stacy Lewis, who both closed with 68s. The high finish by Lewis, a four-time winner this year, assured her player-of-the-year honors on the LPGA Tour. She's the first American to earn that honor since Beth Daniel in 1994.

Tournament hostess Ochoa posted rounds of 71, 72, 70 and 71 to end up tied for 18th at 4-under 284. Michelle Wie, who won her first LPGA title here in 2009, finished T-14 after closing with a 74.

Other scores included a 72 by No. 1-ranked Yani Tseng, which put her in a share of 26th at 1-over 289 in the limited-field, 36-player tournament.

For completing scoring details, visit http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx.