KAHUKU — No matter what the weather might whip up or her opponents confront her with today, Sherri Steinhauer has vowed to relish the moment.

To win the SBS Open at Turtle Bay if she in any way can but to absolutely embrace the opportunity no matter what comes.

And, really, how could she not?

For there was a not-so-distant time when Steinhauer figured she'd seen the last of days like today, when she will enter the final round as one of the tri-leaders of the 54-hole event.

She'd come to fear the LPGA Tour youth movement that will walk at her side today in the form of Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer — all at 7-under par — had left her in the competitive dust. The signs were pointing to the Legends Tour not the chance to add to her seven victories on this one.

At age 44 — 2 years younger than the oldest member (Beth Daniel) to ever win on the LPGA Tour — Steinhauer has nearly a quarter-century in years and two decades in Tour experience on each of her final round partners. More than enough time to also remind just how treasured moments like these should be before they are gone.

For the 18-year old Pressel, less than a year out of high school, there is hope for a breakthrough first title. For the 20-year old Creamer the wish to end the first drought of a career still in its infancy. For them, secure in the blessing of youth, however, there is no sense that time is ticking.

But for Steinhauer there is an appreciation that goes with the urgency of the moment. There is an abiding joy at still being a title factor here. "I feel like every day is a bonus because I was contemplating quitting the game," Steinhauer said. "Now (today) I have a chance at winning and it's just like it's a bonus for me."

Indeed, three years ago her game had gone flat and she was coming off a 119th place finish in the earnings, the worst since her rookie year of 1986. She had hit her 40s and, having coached Pressel and Creamer for the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team, the fast-arriving future was all-too apparent and assured. Her place in it wasn't.

There was desperation. Steinhauer said it was down to, "one last-ditch effort ... At that point in my career if it doesn't work out, I'm done." There was a new coach, Hank Johnson, and new resolve.

Now, having come back from the brink, there is a commitment to celebrate the highlights.

"I said to my caddie ... after we were finished putting and we were ready to go to the first tee ... 'Joe (Connelly), this is why I'm here. I love to compete.' This is what I live for. Whatever happens (today), I'm just going to go out there and do the best that I can, but it's not do or die for me. It's just another day of golf. Obviously I want to play great (today) and I'm going to do whatever I can. But I'm going to have fun with it."

Chances are you'll easily recognize Steinhauer today. She'll be the one savoring the moment, come what may.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.