Cristie Kerr Bio
Cristie Kerr (born October 12, 1977) is an American professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour. She has 20 wins on the LPGA Tour, including two major championships, and over $19 million in career earnings. Kerr was the number one-ranked golfer in the Women’s World Golf Rankings for three time periods in 2010. She is naturally left-handed but plays golf right-handed.
Early Life and Background
Cristie Kerr was born in Miami, Florida, and began playing golf at the age of eight. She had a successful amateur career, winning the 1994 Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship and the 1995 Women’s Western Amateur. In 1996, she played in the Curtis Cup and was the low amateur at the U.S. Women’s Open. Kerr graduated from Miami Sunset High School in West Kendall, Florida, where she honed her skills and developed her passion for the sport.
Path to Golf
After graduating high school, Cristie Kerr turned professional in 1996 at the age of 18. She played on both the Futures Tour and the Players West Tour during her early years. In October 1996, she tied for sixth at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament, earning exempt status for the 1997 season. Although her LPGA career started slowly, she broke into the top fifty on the money list in her third season in 1999. Her first significant victory came in 2002 at the Longs Drugs Challenge in California, marking the beginning of her rise in the professional golf world.
Cristie Kerr Career
Early Career (1996-2005)
Cristie Kerr’s first notable work in professional golf came in April 1995 when she won the Ironwood FUTURES Classic while still an amateur. She turned professional in 1996 and faced challenges in her early years, not winning until her sixth season. In 2005, she achieved three tournament victories and finished fifth on the money list. Her first win of 2006 at the Franklin American Mortgage Championship was notable for her tournament-record score of 19 under par. That year, she was the only American to win more than one event on the LPGA Tour, securing three victories.
Breakthrough (2006-2010)
Kerr’s breakthrough moment came in 2007 when she won the U.S. Women’s Open, her first major championship. She continued to excel, winning two tournaments in 2010, including the LPGA Championship by a record-breaking 12-stroke margin. This victory propelled her to the top of the Women’s World Golf Rankings on June 28, 2010. She held the number one position for three weeks, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Cristie Kerr has achieved numerous milestones, including 20 wins on the LPGA Tour and two major championships. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport and her dedication to breast cancer research, earning the LPGA Komen Award in 2006 for her efforts.
Cristie Kerr Award Nominations
Cristie Kerr has received several nominations throughout her career, reflecting her outstanding performance and contributions to professional golf.
Cristie Kerr Awards Won
Kerr has won notable awards, including the LPGA Komen Award in 2006, recognizing her commitment to breast cancer awareness and research.
Cristie Kerr Family
Cristie Kerr is married to Erik Stevens, and they have two sons, Mason, born in 2013, and Griffin, born in 2018. The family resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Personal Life
Cristie Kerr is actively involved in fundraising for breast cancer research through her foundation, Birdies for Breast Cancer. She donates $50 per birdie made during tournaments, having raised over $750,000 for the cause. In addition to her golf career, Kerr has ventured into the wine industry, launching her Curvature wine label and later Kerr Cellars. She is also known for her commitment to health and fitness, having lost significant weight early in her career to improve her performance on the course.