Reigning Champ Cristie Kerr Looks To Defend Her Title

March 23, 2016

The SCGA recently caught up with Kia Classic reigning champ Cristie Kerr at Media Day. The LPGA's all-time United States money winner will look to defend her title at Aviara GC this week.

Does this week become more meaningful being the last tournament before the first major?

“This field has always been a strong field. Always get the top players. It’s not just the sponsor, it’s the golf course, the facilities, the area and obviously Southern California. If you haven’t played this golf course and seen the flowers everywhere, the scenery is just beautiful. The KIA Classic is perfectly positioned in the schedule and I play every year.”

How was your experience at the Solheim Cup? Specifically Juli Inkster as the captain.

“I've had a lot of captains and they’ve all been very different win or lose. But Juli has always been one of my idols. It was just crazy because I knew we were going to win. I had that feeling. I told Morgan [Pressel] who’s one of my best friends that it would come down to Paula’s match and it did. Even after the whole incident with not conceding the stroke, we never had our heads down and we knew it was time to just go out and take care of business. She was our general and led up to victory.”

What’d you think of the pod system?

“I thought it was really cool. People who I’d already spent a ton of time with ended up being in my pod so we figured out real fast that we shared similar personalities. It was comfortable. You ate with your pod, hung out with your pod and did everything with them so we all got in our own bubble.”

You made some changes recently. A new caddy and then equipment?

“Bob Parson at Scottsdale National gave me an honorary membership and told me I need to come over and try these news clubs [PXGs]. I didn’t have any time until I got hurt and once I tried them I was like, ‘Wow!’ They have a rep for being very expensive but I promise they’ll improve your game. First time I put them in my bag I won.”

What're some of your passions outside of golf?

“Well, my charity is ‘Birdies for Breast Cancer.’ I established it after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Flash by 13 years later and we’ve raised over 3.5 million dollars and we have a wing in the Jersey City Medical Center in New York. It’s the only place where people who don’t have insurance can go and get diagnosed, treated and counseled. We are outgrowing our space and we’re looking forward to newer and bigger things!”

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