ASSOCIATED PRESS

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Cristie Kerr knows the emotion of winning a U.S. Women's Open, and she wants to experience it again — preferably this week.

Two years after winning the national championship, the 31-year-old Kerr is in position again.

She strung together three birdies on the front nine yesterday in a round of 1-under 70 to take a one-stroke lead over Paula Creamer after two rounds of the Women's Open.

Kerr overcame a bout of lightheadedness at the start and had one of only six rounds under par on the tough Saucon Valley Country Club layout, offsetting four bogeys with five birdies. She stands at 3-under 139.

Once again, the spotlight was split between the play on the course and a dispute between LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens and more than a dozen top tour players who signed a letter calling for her resignation.

The New York Times, citing a source, reported yesterday that Bivens originally planned to fight the move to force her out, but had decided to step down after the Open concludes. Golf Digest had previously reported on Thursday that Bivens would be replaced, as soon as next week, and cited sources who said the letter from the players was the final blow.

The LPGA reiterated its statement from earlier in the week. "Out of respect to the USGA and the amazing work that they've done and continue to do in producing and hosting this great event, we will not respond to media reports on internal matters related to the LPGA business," LPGA Tour spokesman David Higdon said in the statement.

The drama off the course was not a distraction to the players, who were more concerned with the narrow fairways and speedy undulating greens at the Old Course as the cut line fell at 9-over.

Former Big Island resident Kimberly Kim missed the cut. The 17-year-old, who now lives in Arizona, shot 76 for 158 and tied for 117th.

Kerr moved around the course with the confidence that only a major winner can display.

"It's great to know that I've won one, and I know I can do it on the weekend," she said. "I feel very comfortable."

Creamer is hoping to negate that advantage as she chases her first Women's Open title.

She carded a 3-under 68 after an opening 72 and was alone in second at 2-under 140.

"I think that just going out this weekend is going to be hard," Creamer said. "The USGA is not going to make it easy on us, that's for sure."

ELSEWHERE

Rain halts Deere Classic: Two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen and Darron Stiles remained tied for the lead after rain washed out the entire second round of the John Deere Classic at Silvis, Ill.

They were at 7-under 64. J.J. Henry, Matt Bettencourt and Hawai'i's Dean Wilson were one stroke off the lead. The second round will be played today with 36 holes scheduled for tomorrow.

Bean, Price tied in 3M: Andy Bean and Nick Price each shot a 7-under 65 to share the lead after the first round of the Champions Tour's 3M Championship at Blaine, Minn.

Gene Jones, shot a 66 at the TPC Twin Cities and was one shot back. Ronnie Black, Dan Forsman, Bernhard Langer and Scott Hoch were next at 67.

Goosen leads Scottish Open: Retief Goosen shot an 8-under 63 at Loch Lomond for a two-shot lead at 11-under 131 in the Scottish Open at Luss, Scotland.

Adam Scott (67) was two shots back, and Martin Kaymer of Germany (65) and Marcus Fraser (66) of Australia were tied for third at 8-under 134. Nick Watney, an American making his European Tour debut, had a 68 and was in a group at 7-under 135.