2006 champion Cristie Kerr will return to Cedar Ridge Country Club to defend her title against the top lady golfers in the world at the 2007 SemGroup Championship presented by John Q. Hammons. The Tournament has been moved up on the LPGA Tour schedule from September to April 30 – May 6.

“We are pleased that Cristie Kerr is among the first of top-tier women golfers making a commitment to the 2007 SemGroup Championship,” said Tom Kivisto, SemGroup, L.P. president and chief executive officer. “Cristie played a no-nonsense, aggressive game last year. We expect this year's event to be equally exciting as the world's best LPGA golfers come to Cedar Ridge to challenge her.”

Last year's tournament was the most exciting to date, with Cristie Kerr shooting a Tournament record 14-under-par to outlast three-time champion Annika Sorenstam. It appeared that Sorenstam would have little trouble in her quest for her fourth title when she shot a seven-under-par 64 to take a two stroke lead after the first round. However, Kerr fired back with a course record 10-under-par 61 in the second round and followed with a 68 in the final round to beat Sorenstam by two strokes.

“The ‘Showdown at Cedar Ridge' promises to bring just as much excitement as the 2006 version,” proclaimed Tournament Director Doug Eibling. “Don't miss Cristie's attempt to repeat her record-breaking performance of last year.”

The match-up of Kerr versus Sorenstam attracted a record crowd for the final round. It did not disappoint as the two battled head-to-head and also survived a late charge from LPGA Player of the Year Lorena Ochoa.

Kerr finished her 2006 season 5th on the Official Money List, with $1,578,362. She also was the runaway winner of the inaugural Team SemGroup competition, featuring six LPGA Tour players in a season-long points race. Kerr won a $25,000 donation to her charity of choice, Birdies for Breast Cancer.

Now entering its 7th year in the Tulsa area, the SemGroup Championship has quickly become one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour, annually attracting a top field of players, great crowds and tremendous community support. Gloria Park won the inaugural event in 2001, with World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb winning in 2003, and Sorenstam winning in 2002, 2004 and 2005.

Tournament ticket and volunteer information is available at www.SemGroupChampionship.com.