With all the attention going toward the leaders, Cristie Kerr, teeing off on No. 4 Saturday, finds herself seven shots behind Stacy Lewis. (John Mummert/USGA)

By Erica Goodman, USGA

Edina, Minn. - Popularity is rough.

Fans follow your every move, children beg for your signature, and the expectation that you will perform beyond the average bear is sometimes elevated to beyond your reach.

Such is the case for Lorena Ochoa, the top-ranked female player in the world, and Cristie Kerr, the defending U.S. Women’s Open champion. Just a year ago, the duo was battling it out for the lead at the 2007 championship and now they are scraping to stay afloat.

Ochoa was, for many, the favored contender, coming in hot with six victories and a record-breaking $2 million in earnings in 2008. With a three-day total of 4-over-par 223, she finds herself at a section of the leade rboard with which she is unfamiliar – near the bottom.

Kerr had a challenging day as well while she strained to defend her reign as champion. Her chance to stay near the lead looked grim when Kerr plunked her ball into the water on No. 12, walking away with a double bogey. At the end of the day, her scorecard was splattered with birdies and bogeys, carding two over par for the day. Kerr is still in contention – with an aggregate 2-under 217 - having proven her ability to make it when it counts. At Pine Needles in 2007, Kerr played six under par over the last two days finishing with a 72-hole score of five under (279).

The leader of the day was the darling Stacy Lewis, who turned professional just prior to sectional qualifying. At her ripe young age of 23, she may not have the clamoring of devoted followers but she does have the coveted lead going into the final round.

"Today I just tried to smile and laugh and enjoy it," said Lewis. "I think the more you smile and enjoy it – you can’t think about the situation you’re in."

For Ochoa and Kerr, the grass is, for once, greener on the other side. Maybe smiling more is the answer? Probably not.

Can Kerr fight her way to win another major? Perhaps. At the very least, it will be an interesting battle to the top.

Erica Goodman is a Fellow with the USGA. E-mail her with questions and comments at egoodman@usga.org.