LPGA

Suzann Pettersen was named the Prudential Rock Solid Performer of the week after her win at the Sybase Match Play Championship.

Rolex Rankings No. 3 Suzann Pettersen held off No. 4 Cristie Kerr to take a 1 UP victory in the final match of the 2011 Sybase Match Play Championship. Pettersen sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to seal the match against Kerr and clinch her first victory of the 2011 season. Pettersen's last win came at the 2009 CN Canadian Women's Open.

Despite feeling under the weather for the majority of the week, Pettersen managed to win six straight matches to capture the title and the $375,000 first-place winner's check. It was a week full of close matches for Pettersen, who saw four of her six matches go down to the 18th hole. Pettersen's largest victory of the week came in the second round when she defeated Amy Hung, 5 and 3. Coming into this week, Pettersen had recorded three top-10 finishes this season. Those were a tie for 8th at the season-opening Honda LPGA Thailand, a tie for 10th at the Kia Classic and a tie for 3rd at the Avnet LPGA Classic.

The final match was a tightly contested battle between Pettersen and Kerr, and it had a Solheim Cup feel to it. Pettersen, a five-time member of the European. Solheim Cup team, took a 2 UP lead through four holes with birdies on the 2nd and the 4th, but Kerr, who has made five U.S. Solheim Cup appearances, brought the match back to all square with two birdies of her own (No. 5 and No. 8). A birdie on the par-4 9th by Pettersen gave her a 1 UP lead at the turn. Things remained close as two halved the next five holes on the back nine before Pettersen won the 15th hole to take a 2 UP lead. But ever the competitor, Kerr birdied the 17th to force the match to the final hole.

The road to Pettersen's match-play title:
Suzann Pettersen (5) defeated Natalie Gulbis (49), Amy Hung (45), Stacy Lewis (21), Yani Tseng (4), Na Yeon Choi (1) and Cristie Kerr (3).

Suzann Pettersen called in to Golf Channel's Morning Drive to discuss her recent win at the Sybase Match Play Championship.

 

Living My Dream On The LPGA! It is so amazing to watch my dreams start to take shape and to be competing at the highest level of women's golf. Two months ago I played in my first LPGA tournament, the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. This charity tournament was formed by Commissioner Mike Whan and Mr. Tom Quinlan, with the purse not going to the pros, but instead to the charity of their choice. However, unlike everyone in the field except one other player, I had to prove myself and sink pressure putts before the tournament even started. You see, I had to Monday qualify.

My family and I knew the risk; if I didn't qualify, the cost would be out of our pocket and we would have to fly home and wait for another opportunity. With my mom on the bag, Oakleys on my cap and Titleist Pro V1 in hand, and playing with the typical nerves a Monday qualifier brings, I tied for the second spot. There were only two qualifying spots available, so I had to go into a sudden-death playoff. We ended up having to play four holes to determine a winner - as if I hadn't already had enough knee-knocker putts for the day! I went on to win the playoff and qualify for my first LPGA event!

After that final playoff hole, life seemed to speed up. Suddenly I felt like a little kid at Disney World taking in all the new sights and enormous crowds. There was an exciting buzz about the atmosphere. Everyone had big smiles on their faces, the volunteers were extra generous with their time, the golf course was in pristine condition, and the JW Marriott Resort was absolutely gorgeous! I was meeting new players - some rookies like me and some Hall of Fame legends that I have been watching on television since I first took up the game. The fondest memory I have from that week is when Christina Kim came up to me on the driving range, introduced herself, congratulated me on my play so far, and welcomed me to the tour. I will never forget the kindness multiple players and caddies showed to a new face on tour that week.

I finished at 1-under-par in my first LPGA tournament and tied for 29th with two Hall of Fame players. That finish moved me up in the rankings, and I should get into the LPGA June events without having to Monday qualify! I cannot wait because this gives me more opportunities to play on the LPGA Tour and to live my dream.

All of this would not have been possible without two individuals that I am so grateful to, Mr. Mike Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour and Mr. Tom Quinlan, President of RR Donnelley. Everyone knows the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup tournament provided several charities with donations that will change lives forever. What people don't know is that this one tournament has changed my life forever. It has given me hope that my dream can become a reality and it has allowed me the opportunity of a life time!

Wish me luck this summer and God Bless,
Amelia

P.S. Support me by liking my facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/TheAmeliaLewis

Learn more about Amelia Lewis>>
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The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.

Untitled Document Jiyai Shin Nine of top 10 players already qualified for Orlando tournament

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, May 23, 2011 - The LPGA today announced tickets are now on sale for the inaugural CME Group Titleholders, Nov. 14 - 20 at Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida. The LPGA's season finale is a chance to see the best performing players from the 2011 LPGA Tour season. The field will be comprised of three qualifiers from every official 2011 LPGA Tour tournament. To date, 21 players, including nine of the top 10 in the Rolex Rankings, have punched their ticket to the event. Players include world No. 1 Yani Tseng and top Americans Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie.

Individual Practice Day Tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 15 - 16) are $10, while Individual Competition Day Tickets for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 17 - 20) are $20. Additionally, Weekly Grounds Tickets are available for $65. Finally, the Grand Cypress Ticket Package provides 24 Any Day Grounds Tickets (Tuesday through Sunday) for $300.

In 2011, Senior Day will be extended to include both Tuesday, Nov. 15 and Wednesday, Nov. 16. Seniors 55 years of age and over are invited to attend the practice round on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and the Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, Nov. 16 for free as part of Senior Day.

Children 17 and under will also receive free admission during tournament week with a ticketed adult as per the LPGA's "Kids in Free" program. Active military members and their immediate family can receive free tournament admission when showing a valid active military ID at the main admission gate.

Fans can call 1-888-LPGATIX (574-2849) or log-on to www.CMEGroupTitleholders.com to purchase tickets. Corporate hospitality packages and advertising opportunities are also available by calling Kelly Hyne at (386) 274-6245.

The 21 players already qualified for the CME Group Titleholders:
Honda LPGA Thailand: Yani Tseng (Taiwan), Michelle Wie (U.S.), Karrie Webb (Australia)
HSBC Women's Champions: Sun Young Yoo (South Korea), Morgan Pressel (U.S.), Na Yeon Choi (South Korea)
RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup: Paula Creamer (U.S.), Brittany Lincicome (U.S.), Cristie Kerr (U.S.)
Kia Classic: Sandra Gal (Germany), Jiyai Shin (Korea), I.K. Kim (Korea)
Kraft Nabisco Championship: Stacy Lewis (U.S.), Angela Stanford (U.S.), Katie Futcher (U.S.)
Avnet LPGA Classic: Maria Hjorth (Sweden), Song-Hee Kim (Korea), Suzann Pettersen (Norway)
Sybase Match Play Championship: Ai Miyazato (Japan), Sophie Gustafson (Sweden), Julieta Granada (Paraguay)

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1. Tell me something most people don't know about you?
They don't know how friendly I am!

2. What would you like to do for a living if you are not a pro golfer?
Own my own business.

3. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
A golf course designer.

4. Is there anything you're addicted to? Or can't live without?
Shower.

5. Is there anything you won't eat?
Bugs and snake.

6. What is one thing you have done and would never want to do again?
Being in a slump.

7. What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Making it into the Hall of Fame!

8. Is there a song that you like to sing when no one is around like in the car or shower?
Whatever is on at the time.

9. What is your favorite club?
Driver.

10. What is your favorite activity you do when you want to relax?
Drink beer in the pool.

11. What is your favorite time of year?
Off season.

12. Favorite quote or saying?
Be thankful for every day.

13. What beauty product can you not live without?
Soap.

14. What is your favorite store to shop in and why?
All shops that are open.

15. What is one item of clothing you couldn't live without?
Shoes.

16. Name one thing you always keep stocked in your refrigerator?
Beer!!!! (and meat)

17. What invention do you wish you had thought of?
Nail polish.

18. What chore are you great at or enjoy doing the most?
Cleaning the house.

Learn more about Se Ri Pak >>

Untitled Document Cristie Kerr Suzann Pettersen

An elite field is set to compete at Rio, home of the 2016 Olympic Games
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, May 23, 2011 - The LPGA returns to Itanhanga Golf Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this week for the third annual HSBC Brazil Cup, boasting an international field of 30 players who will compete across 36 holes for a $720,000, unofficial money purse.
 
Headlining the field will be Rolex Rankings No. 2 Suzann Pettersen and Rolex Rankings No. 4 Cristie Kerr. Pettersen and Kerr are coming off impressive finishes at last week's Sybase Match Play Championship. The two dueled in a head-to-head battle with Pettersen prevailing and Kerr finishing runner-up.
 
Last year in Brazil, Meaghan Francella defeated Mariajo Uribe in a six-hole playoff to secure her second LPGA victory. Both return to play this week, while 2009 HSBC Brazil Cup Champion Catriona Matthew also is set to compete.
 
The buzz surrounding this year's tournament inevitably will be unlike any other with golf set to make its Olympic return in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. With 14 different countries represented in this week's field, it will serve as a preview of the international flare and competitive fire that will represent golf in the 2016 Olympics Games.
 
Brazilians Luciana Bemvenuti, Victoria Alimonda and Maria Iida head into the week as the national favorites. Bemvenuti, the first Brazilian to compete on the LPGA Tour, is from Porto Alegre located 697 miles from Rio de Janiero. Her career-best finish on the LPGA came when she finished tied for fourth at the 1998 Longs Drug Challenge. Alimonda and Iida are both natives of Sao Paolo, Brazil, located about 250 miles from Rio de Janeiro. Iida finished 25th at the 2010 HSBC Brazil Cup while Alimonda will play in her first LPGA event.

The field as of May 23: Shi Hyun Ahn Pat Hurst  Azahara Munoz Victoria Alimonda Vicky Hurst  Hee Young Park Luciana Bemvenuti Karine Icher Suzann Pettersen Amanda Blumenherst Maria Iida Stacy Prammanasudh Heather Bowie Young Jimin Kang Alena Sharp Paz Echeverria Cristie Kerr Sarah Jane Smith Meaghan Francella Christina Kim Karen Stupples Julieta Granada Candie Kung Sofi Toccafondi Maria Hjorth  Brittany Lang Mariajo Uribe

The Rolex Rankings top-5 witnessed some movement this week with Suzann Pettersen taking the No. 2 spot from five-time LPGA Tour winner, Jiyai Shin. In a hard fought battle with Rolex Rankings No. 4 Cristie Kerr, Pettersen sank a 15-foot putt on 18 to claim a victory at the Sybase Match Play Championship. Pettersen’s last win came at the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.

Sybase Match Play Championship fourth-place finisher Angela Stanford moved up five spots into the top-20.

2011 SYBASE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP HAMILTON FARM GOLF CLUB Sunday, May 22, 2011 Purse: $1,500,000.00 Par: 36 36 - 72 Yardage: 6585

Tournament Summary

1 Suzann Pettersen (5) $375,000 2 Cristie Kerr (3) $225,000 3 Na Yeon Choi (1) $150,000 4 Angela Stanford (18) $112,500 T5 Paula Creamer (10) $37,500 T5 Sophie Gustafson (42) $37,500 T5 Ai Miyazato (6) $37,500 T5 Yani Tseng (4) $37,500 T9 Kyeong Bae (47) $18,750 T9 Julieta Granada (62) $18,750 T9 Brittany Lang (35) $18,750 T9 Meena Lee (33) $18,750 T9 Stacy Lewis (21) $18,750 T9 Inbee Park (11) $18,750 T9 Alena Sharp (50) $18,750 T9 Michelle Wie (9) $18,750 T17 Chella Choi (53) $7,740 T17 Shanshan Feng (37) $7,740 T17 Hee-Won Han (41) $7,740 T17 Amy Hung (45) $7,740 T17 I.K. Kim (7) $7,740 T17 Mi Hyun Kim (55) $7,740 T17 Seon Hwa Lee (40) $7,740 T17 Paige Mackenzie (61) $7,740 T17 Belen Mozo (60) $7,740 T17 Anna Nordqvist (24) $7,740 T17 Hee Kyung Seo (56) $7,740 T17 Karen Stupples (43) $7,740 T17 Jenny Suh (64) $7,740 T17 Wendy Ward (46) $7,740 T17 Karrie Webb (23) $7,740 T17 Sun Young Yoo (16) $7,740 T33 Amanda Blumenherst (48) $3,865 T33 Katie Futcher (52) $3,865 T33 Natalie Gulbis (49) $3,865 T33 Marcy Hart (63) $3,865 T33 Maria Hjorth (20) $3,865 T33 Katherine Hull (12) $3,865 T33 M.J. Hur (31) $3,865 T33 Vicky Hurst (28) $3,865 T33 Karine Icher (25) $3,865

Untitled Document Pia Halbig Former winners include LPGA Tour players Stacy Lewis & Amanda Blumenherst
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, May 23, 2011 -- The University of California's Pia Halbig has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Dinah Shore Trophy Award. Administered by the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Foundation, the award was presented to Halbig during the annual National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Division I Women's Collegiate Golf Awards Banquet held at the EndZone Club in College Station, Texas on Saturday night.

The Dinah Shore Trophy Award recognizes a female collegiate golfer who excels in both academics (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) and athletics, while maintaining a 78.00 or less scoring average. The nominees must also demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and community service.
 
"From the moment Pia stepped on campus at Cal, she embraced every opportunity she had in sport, academics and in the community, engaging in each at the highest level possible," said Nancy McDaniel, the University of California women's golf coach. "Her leadership helped to set a standard for our program and opened the door for her teammates to recognize their potential as both a student and an athlete. She has been a leader in every facet of our program."

Halbig, a native of Maintal, Germany, has balanced an impressive college golf career while maintaining an impeccable community service record. She is a senior at the University of California, and will graduate with honors in Media Studies this spring.  A solid performer on and off the golf course, Halbig has maintained a 3.673 grade point average (GPA), while sustaining a 72.9 scoring average this season. A four-time Academic All-American, Halbig became the first Cal women's golfer to be honored as a NGCA All-American and an Academic All-American in the same year in 2010.
 
As part of the Dinah Shore Trophy Award, the University of California women's golf program will also receive a $10,000 grant. The award and the grant are both funded through The LPGA Foundation's Dinah Shore Scholarship Fund and the Friends of Golf (FOG) organization.
 
Entering the final week of the 2011 collegiate golf season, Halbig brings with her a remarkable four-year career as part of the University of California women's golf team.  She has earned All-Pac-10 honors for four straight years and is also on pace to break the Cal career low scoring record. Over her career, Halbig has tallied 17 Top 10 finishes and shot a total of 31 rounds under par, not including NCAA appearances, while helping to lead the Cal program from a Top 50 position upon her arrival to a sixth place national ranking in 2011. In her senior season, Halbig has recorded seven Top 10 finishes, including winning the individual title at the Mason Rudolph Invitation with a Cal record score of 203 (-13).
 
Off the course, Halbig has demonstrated her passion for helping others by getting involved in many community outreach programs during her four years at Cal. Thanks to a program associated with the NCGA Foundation, Halbig worked with a class of fourth graders at Oxford Elementary School in Berkley, Calif. to teach core values through the game of golf. Her leadership skills also led her to take part in the Read Across America Program and the Feed People's Park Project. While at school

Sybase Match Play Championship
Hamilton Farm Golf Club
Gladstone, N.J.
Final match notes and interviews
May 22, 2011

Suzann Pettersen (def. Cristie Kerr, 1 UP)

Rolex Rankings No. 3 Suzann Pettersen held off No. 4 Cristie Kerr to take a 1 UP victory in the final match of the 2011 Sybase Match Play Championship. Pettersen sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to seal the match against Kerr and clinch her first victory of the 2011 season. Pettersen’s last win came at the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.

Despite feeling under the weather for the majority of the week, Pettersen managed to win six straight matches to capture the title and the $375,000 first-place winner’s check. It was a week full of close matches for Pettersen, who saw four of her six matches go down to the 18th hole. Pettersen’s largest victory of the week came in the second round when she defeated Amy Hung, 5 and 3. Coming into this week, Pettersen had recorded three top-10 finishes this season. Those were a tie for 8th at the season-opening Honda LPGA Thailand, a tie for 10th at the Kia Classic and a tie for 3rd at the Avnet LPGA Classic.

The final match was a tightly contested battle between Pettersen and Kerr, and it had a Solheim Cup feel to it. Pettersen, a five-time member of the European. Solheim Cup team, took a 2 UP lead through four holes with birdies on the 2nd and the 4th, but Kerr, who has made five U.S. Solheim Cup appearances, brought the match back to all square with two birdies of her own (No. 5 and No. 8). A birdie on the par-4 9th by Pettersen gave her a 1 UP lead at the turn. Things remained close as two halved the next five holes on the back nine before Pettersen won the 15th hole to take a 2 UP lead. But ever the competitor, Kerr birdied the 17th to force the match to the final hole.

The road to Pettersen’s match-play title:
Suzann Pettersen (5) defeated Natalie Gulbis (49), Amy Hung (45), Stacy Lewis (21), Yani Tseng (4), Na Yeon Choi (1) and Cristie Kerr (3).

For Cristie Kerr the runner-up finish is her best so far this year.  It’s also Kerr’s fourth top-10 finish of the 2011 season, which included a tie for ninth at the HSBC Women’s Champions, a fourth place finish at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup and a tie for third at the Kia Classic.

See you in Rio: Pettersen may have bested Kerr in Sunday’s final match but the two players will have the chance to face each other again next week as they’ll both be in the field for the HSBC Brazil Cup in Rio De Janeiro. A total of 30 players will compete in the 36-hole, stroke-play event at the Itanhanga Golf Club. Kerr and Pettersen will join defending champion Meaghan Francella in Rio De Janeiro, which will be hosting the 2016 Olympics when golf returns to the games for the first time since 1904.

Pettersen is going to Canyon Ranch. With her victory at the 2011 Sybase Match Play Championship, Suzann Pettersen earned an all-inclusive stay for two at a Canyon Ranch resort. In a combined effort to promote health and overall well-being among Tour players, Canyon Ranch will provide every winner of an LPGA event with one all-inclusive stay at one of Canyon Ranch's two destination resorts.

No. 1 seed Na Yeon Choi won the consolation match over Angela Stanford, 4 and 3. After falling to Cristie Kerr on the 18th hole of her morning semifinal match, Stanford was slow to get things going against Choi. Last year’s LPGA Official Money List winner,

No. 1 seed Na Yeon Choi won the consolation match at the Sybase Match Play Championship over Angela Stanford, 4 and 3. After falling to Cristie Kerr on the 18th hole of her morning semifinal match, Stanford was slow to get things going against Choi. Last year's LPGA Official Money List winner, Choi won five of the first nine holes and took a 4 UP lead into the turn. She continued to charge on the back nine, winning the 10th hole to extend her lead to 5 UP. But Stanford won the 12th and the 14th with pars to cut Choi's lead to 3 UP with four to play. Choi closed-out the match with her par on the 15th to take a 4 and 3 victory and earn the third place finish. Choi now has four top-10 finishes this year, as she tied her best finish of the year (T3 at the Avnet LPGA Classic).

U.S. Team Wins Sixth Handa Cup World Team Wins Five Matches, Not Enough To Take The Cup

RYE, NH, May 22, 2011 – The U.S. Team, captained by Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth, proved to be too difficult to beat in the final round of the 2011 Handa Cup presented by Hannaford and Kraft Foods. Pia Nilsson's World Team battled back, winning five of the 12 matches that went out in 50 degree, breezy weather. The World Team scored 10 points in today's singles matches bringing their two day total to 14; the U.S. Team added 14 points to their first round 20 points. Final round results are available here.

The matches were all or nothing today with no matches halved; some matches were convincingly decided while others went to the final hole. No matches went to the playoff hole for the first time in Handa Cup history. 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Rosie Jones extended her streak without a loss in the Handa Cup to 12 consecutive matches. Sherri Steinhauer also remains undefeated in her Handa Cup history. World Team rookie Liselotte Neumann debuted with a win in the team matches, but fell to fellow rookie Michele Redman during today's singles matches. 

Fans were treated to exciting closing action even after the Cup had been decided. Canada's Dawn Coe-Jones, who played Nancy Scranton, led through 13 holes. Scranton posted wins on Holes 14 – 17 to take it to 1 Up at Hole 17. On Hole 18, both Scranton and Coe-Jones landed tee shots within 20' of the pin and 2” of each other. Coe-Jones putted first, lipping out and leaving her ball 10” past the hole. Scranton conceded Coe-Jones' putt. To win, Scranton needed to birdie the hole; her putt was almost identical to Coe-Jones, and she lost the hole and the match.

Hannaford and Kraft Foods, the presenting sponsors of the Handa Cup presented a check to The First Tee of New Hampshire and The First Tee of Maine in the amount of $75,000. Additionally, a check for $25,000 was donated to the Japan Relief Fund. The LPGA Legends showed their true spirit by adding another $10,000 to support Dr. Haruhisa Handa's Japan Relief Fund, the patron sponsor's ongoing effort to help rebuild his home country of Japan.

The Handa Cup, an International Sports Marketing Society (ISPS) Series Event, is title sponsored by Haruhisa Handa, a Japanese philanthropist, artist and businessman who founded the ISPS in 2006.

Sybase Match Play Championship Hamilton Farm Golf Club Gladstone, N.J. Semifinal notes and interviews May 22, 2011

Cristie Kerr (def. Angela Stanford, 1 UP) Suzann Pettersen (def. Na Yeon Choi, 4 and 2)

The final match is set for the Sybase Match Play Championship. No. 3 seed Cristie Kerr will take on No. 5 seed Suzann Pettersen for the first-place prize of $375,000. Kerr and Pettersen will each be looking for their first victory of the 2011 season. Both are veterans of match play. Kerr has made five U.S. Solheim Cup appearances and is second among active American players for points in match play while Pettersen is a five-time member of the European Solheim Cup team with an overall record of 9-7-5 in the event.

The road to the finals. Cristie Kerr (3) defeated Amanda Blumenherst (48), Belen Mozo (60), Kyeong Bae (47), Ai Miyazato (6), and Angela Stanford (18)

Suzann Pettersen (5) defeated Natalie Gulbis (49), Amy Hung (45), Stacy Lewis (21), Yani Tseng (4) and Na Yeon Choi (1)

Rolex Rankings No. 4 Cristie Kerr had not played the 17th and 18th holes all week, but she won the final two holes to earn 1 UP victory over Angela Stanford and a spot in the final match. Kerr birdied the par-3 3rd hole to take an early 1 UP lead, but Stanford won the 7th and the 9th to carry a 1 UP lead at the turn. A birdie by Kerr on the 11th got things back to all square before Stanford recorded back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th to take a 2 UP lead with five holes remaining. Kerr wasn't done in the match, taking three of the final four holes to capture the victory. Kerr birdied No. 15, No. 17 before getting up and down on 18 to secure her win.

Suzann Pettersen clinched her 4 and 2 victory over Na Yeon Choi with a birdie on the 16th hole. Pettersen got off to a hot start in the round, winning the 2nd and 3rd holes to take a 2 UP lead over Choi. But a bogey on No. 5 by Pettersen opened the door for Choi, who cut Pettersen's lead to 1 UP with a par on the hole. Pettersen led 2 UP after the front nine thanks to a birdie at the par-3 8th. Choi birdied the 10th to try to mount a comeback but Pettersen made three straight birdies to take a 4 UP lead with five to play. A birdie by Choi on No. 15 kept her chances alive, but Pettersen's birdie on the par-3 16th sealed her spot in the finals.

 

Cristie Kerr (def. Angela Stanford, 1 up) “It's hard to judge the spin from the fairway (on 18 green). I'm just really happy right now. I hit a good shot to the green, but didn't carry it far enough. If you miss it where she did, you're dead.”

“She had the edge all day. I went 1 up early in the match, but she played great golf. I turned it on at the end, and sometimes you're just up in the end. That's how it works.”

 

Suzann Pettersen (def. Na Yeon Choi, 4 and 2) “It felt good. My game feels good. I'm maintaining a good rhythm. I think I'm a good deal under par this week. I just have to keep making birdies. I have a shot at it. I'll give it a go this afternoon.”

“I'm starting to feel like I'm playing good again. I'll just keep making birdies. It doesn't matter who I play, it doesn't matter. I feel like I've taken down a few tough players already. One more to go.”

Sybase Match Play Championship Hamilton Farm Golf Club Gladstone, N.J. Quarterfinal notes and interviews May 21, 2011

Cristie Kerr (def. Ai Miyazato, 3 and 2) Angela Stanford (def. Paula Creamer, 2 UP) Na Yeon Choi (def. Sophie Gustafson, 2 UP) Suzann Pettersen (def. Yani Tseng, 1 UP)

The matches are now set for the semifinal round of the Sybase Match Play Championship at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey.  No. 3 seed Cristie Kerr will take on No. 18 seed Angela Stanford while No. 5 seed Suzann Pettersen will face No. 1 seed Na Yeon Choi as the original field of 64 is trimmed down to the two finalists. The winner this week will receive a first-place prize of $375,000, while the runner-up will cash $225,000.  In addition to the championship match tomorrow afternoon, the two eliminated players will face off in a consolation match.  The winner of the consolation match will earn $150,000, while the runner-up will receive $112,500.

The road to the semifinals:  Cristie Kerr (3) defeated Amanda Blumenherst (48), Belen Mozo (60), Kyeong Bae (47), and Ai Miyazato (6)

Angela Stanford (18) defeated Candie Kung (36), Wendy Ward (46), Meena Lee (33) and Paul Creamer (10)

Suzann Pettersen (5) defeated Natalie Gulbis (49), Amy Hung (45), Stacy Lewis (21) and Yani Tseng (4)

Na Yeon Choi (1) defeated Catriona Matthew (39), Karen Stupples (43), Alena Sharp (50) and Sophie Gustafson (42)

The only “upset” of the afternoon came in Suzann Pettersen's victory over Yani Tseng. The two were ranked the No. 5 and No. 4 seeds respectively entering the tournament.

Down to the wire: Three of the four quarterfinal matches were not decided until the 18th hole. Angela Stanford and Na Yeon Choi each came to the 18th with a one up lead, but Suzann Pettersen was all square with Yani Tseng until her birdie on the final hole of regulation gave her a 1 UP victory.  For Pettersen, it was the third time in her four matches this week that she's won on the 18th hole.

Golden ticket winners: Ai Miyazato, Sophie Gustafson and Julieta Granada punched their "Ticket to CME Group Titleholders" at the Sybase Match Play Championship, each earning a spot in the season-ending CME Group Titleholders event, which will be held Nov. 17-20, 2011 at Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando, Fla. Granada won a three-hole aggregate playoff with four other players for the third and final spot from Sybase. The inaugural CME Group Titleholders, a season finale with a field made up of three qualifiers from every LPGA Tour tournament, is a format never previously used in professional golf. Granada earned her spot by tallying a birdie on the final hole of a three-hole playoff involving five players on Saturday afternoon.

Cristie Kerr Angela Stanford

The first match out tomorrow morning will be Cristie Kerr and