Sorenstam Plays Against Men Again?

Annika Sorenstam might find that competing with her female rivals is not enough. The 33-year-old Swede is seemingly gearing up for another match against men.

Organizers of the Skins Game are trying to decide whether to offer Sorenstam a sponsor`s exemption into the seasonal event.

"I would be flattered," Sorenstam replied, recanting the decision not to play in men`s game again she made two months ago. "I would consider it, because it`s not a PGA event, and I won`t do another PGA event. But a special event like this is different," she explained.

The Skins Game is a hole-based match, while other stroke-based games. Therefore, there seem better chances for Sorenstam to win. While men making ambitious moves against each other, she might find a good change to win.

After the Colonial event, she has been stealing the spotlight and collecting a lot of money in sponsorship. If she fails to win the game, therefore, she will at least win people`s and sponsors` attention.

The media attention might have led her to the decision. After the Colonial she said, ˝I felt pressure, but at the same time I felt thrilled.˝

Being guaranteed of millions of cash prize and sponsorship, she might think that taking challenge to be the best is worth trying always.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com