Cristie Kerr is in Houston and hasn’t ruled out competing in this week’s 75th U.S. Women’s Open. The 20-time LPGA winner withdrew from the Volunteers of America Classic last Friday after an early-morning golf cart accident prior to play.
Kerr’s husband, Erik Stevens, told Golfweek that she’s recovering from knee, arm and hand contusions as well as more serious rib injuries. She practiced at Champions Golf Club prior to last week’s VOA and might head out later on Monday to walk around some greens and try to putt.
The accident occurred in dark conditions at the Old American Golf Club and both Kerr and her caddie, Matt Gelczis, spent several hours in the emergency room. Gelczis was caddying for ANA Inspiration winner Mirim Lee earlier this year in Rancho Mirage, California.
Stevens said that Gelczis is recovering at home in Pennsylvania. Brady Stockton will caddie for Kerr this week in Texas if she competes. Right now, he said, she’s taking it day by day.
Kerr, 43, opened the VOA with a 1-over 72 in frigid conditions in The Colony, Texas.
The USWO takes place Dec. 10-13 on both the Cypress and Jackrabbit courses at historic Champions. Kerr won the first of her two major championships at the 2007 USWO at Pine Needles. The mother of two hasn’t missed a Women’s Open since 1998. She is the oldest player in the USWO field, edging out Sunday’s VOA winner Angela Stanford by about six weeks.
