LPGA star Cristie Kerr truly putting it all together

Life is good these days for Cristie Kerr.

She recently went over the $9 million mark in career earnings, good for sixth place on the all-time money list. She has already posted a pair of top-10 finishes in four events this year, and in August the 11-time winner on Tour will be playing on her fifth Solheim Cup team when the U.S. takes on Europe at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

There is more than golf in Kerr's life, as well. The 2007 U.S. Women's Open champion loves her wine, she hangs out with Donald Trump, and she started a foundation to support breast cancer research that has raised more than $600,000.

And she clearly is one of the most popular players on Tour.

But it hasn't always been a smooth trip for the 29-year-old, who bursted onto the LPGA scene in 1997 admittedly a little cocky for her own good and had to spend a few years rehabbing her image.

Kerr spoke with the Daily Herald recently about her transformation, her life on and off the golf course, and her excitement for the Solheim Cup tournament.

Q: How have you changed as a person since your rookie year?

Kerr: I was young. I didn't really know a whole lot when I first came out and I was with my father and really didn't have that many friends at the beginning. As I've become a more mature person and an adult, I've changed a lot. I've matured, I've got a lot of friends out here. I've just kind of evolved as time has gone by.

I've turned into a person who cares about a lot of things other than golf, such as our various charities and my breast cancer foundation - birdies for breast cancer - and just kind of turned into an adult, I guess.

Q: Do you like all the hoopla that comes with being a star on Tour?

Kerr: I do. I have a lot easier time now than I did several years ago. It's a learned thing like anything else. You have to learn how to handle things and be great with the fans. You just have to take that as being part of your job and do the best you can with it.

Q: I hear you are quite the wine connoisseur.

Kerr: I'm definitely into wine. I've gone to Napa Valley numerous, numerous times during the crush, which is their harvest, learning how to make wine. I love trying new wines. Some people have told me I have a pretty good palate. I'm very interested in learning about it, and hopefully even make a wine some day to raise money for breast cancer.

Q: What would you call it?

Kerr: We've actually trademarked the name but I can't tell you yet. But if we end up doing it you'll definitely be one of the first people we call and we'll tell you all about it.

Q: Can you talk about Donald Trump?

Kerr: Donald is what he is. He's a straight shooter. If he likes you, he'll tell you. If he doesn't, he won't pay any attention to you. I think what people don't know about him is he does a lot for charity. He does a lot for people in his family.

Q: You are often described as one of the "hottest" golfers on Tour. Do you like that or is it a pain?

Kerr: It's definitely better than being one of the non-hottest (laughs). I definitely like that. I've put a few pounds on since I got married, but I'm trying to work those off now. I've never really thought of myself like that.

Growing up I was really heavy until I was about 21, so I never thought of myself like that, so if people think of me I think that's great.

Q: What does playing in the Solheim Cup mean to you?

Kerr: It means the world to me. We never get to play team competition, so to play with your peers for one common goal, the bonding and camaraderie that goes on that weekend. It's stuff you can't write about.

You saw what went on with Paul Azinger and the Ryder Cup team - it's very much like that with the Solheim Cup. It's us against Europe. Playing for your country and your team, you feel more pressure in a sense because you are playing for a team instead of yourself. It's very challenging and very rewarding.

Q: Are you going to miss having Annika Sorenstam playing for the Cup?

Kerr: Definitely. I think she'll be a Solheim captain down the line, though. She's going to focus on her family now and kind of living her life the way she wants.

People were shocked that she wanted to retire, but at the same time she had 80 wins. It's not like she had anything to prove. Good for her.

Q: Do you see the day in the future when maybe it's the USA vs. Asia?

Kerr: I think it would be terrific, kind of like the East vs. the West.

Q: If Michelle Wie has any kind of year at all, the clamor will go out for her to be named to the Solheim team; what's your view?

Kerr: I think she would definitely be good for the team. If she's close, that's going to be a decision for (captain) Beth Daniel. I don't know whether she thinks hey, we need her on the team or hey, this is her first year on the Tour (and) maybe she needs to earn her way another time if she doesn't make it on points. I don't know what's in Beth's head.

I think Michelle is very good for the Tour. She draws a lot of eyes to the LPGA. She got off to a good start this year, so that says nothing but good stuff for us.