Kerr clinches 17th LPGA Tour title

Cristie Kerr - Cropped

Cristie Kerr stormed home in the final round of the Kia Classic, winning by two shots for her 17th LPGA Tour title.

The American began her final round in a tie for third, three shots behind Mirim Lee - but a seven-under par 65 on Sunday saw Kerr to her first title since May 2013.

Nine birdies on her final round meant Kerr could even afford to bogey the 12th and 18th holes in Carlsbad, California and still lift the trophy.

Kerr's title takes her to a tie for 30th in the list of golfers with most LPGA Tour wins.

South Korea's Lee (70) finished outright second on 18 under - two back from Kerr on 20 under - while world number one Lydia Ko was third on 17 under.

Ko shot her third round of five-under 67 for the tournament, to finish ahead of Alison Lee (fourth) and Park Inbee (fifth).

American Lee (71) was outright second heading to the final 18 holes but failed to break 70 for the first time during the week at the Aviara Golf Club.

South Korean pair Kim Hyo Joo (66) and Jang Ha Na (68) were tied for sixth at 14 under, ahead of Moriya Jutanugarn (68) - who shared eighth place with Sakura Yokomine (72).

Defending champion Anna Nordqvist (67) enjoyed her best round of the week to leap into a tie for 10th, alongside Lee Ilhee (64), Lexi Thompson (71), Paula Creamer (72) and Pak Se Ri (72).

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