Cristie Kerr - Going for the Win & Giving to Her Cause

Cristie Kerr currently holds the lead as the third round continues into the fourth day at the LPGA State Farm Classic.

As I write this she's among twenty players yet to finish the third after it was delayed, interrupted and finally suspended by yesterday's capricious weather.

Cristie was pragmatic about the suspension that interrupted her stellar start yesterday... she opened with an eagle on the 520-yard par-5 first, then birdied the fourth before play was called... “You can't think that because you get delayed your momentum is going to stop,” She said. “There's been plenty of people in my position that keep it going.”

The top US player in a year that has yet to see a American win, Cristie has said she feels a particular motivation to bring in that win. As she sees it, a well rounded tour, with winners from different countries and continents is the best thing for the the LPGA, and for golf's global fan-base.

And then there's the charity, Birdies for Breast Cancer, that's such a part of the Cristie Kerr identity. In addition to the fund raising events she organizes each year, Cristie donates $50 for each birdie she makes (and $100 for each eagle)... and her contributions are matched by her long-time sponsor Mutual of Omaha. Have a look at her State Farm Classic score card and you'll get an idea of just how substantial that is.

As the last few players finish this much delayed third round, Cristie is -9 through 16,and -19 total. She leads by two over Anna Nordqvist, who's also playing prodigiously. They'll join the fourth round... which is already underway... without much of a break at all. There are a number of other great players in contention and it promises to be an exciting final. And @lpga is doing a great job twittering the action - follow their tweets for regular updates.

Update II: The fourth round was suspended due to inclement weather, play will resume Monday morning.

Update: Cristie just carded a bogey-free 63 for the third round!