Sorenstam hoping to make mark in history

Annika Sorenstam has set her sights on the record books at tomorrow’s McDonald’s LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock, Maryland, despite being disappointed with her start to the season.

The Swede is bidding to become the first player to win the title four years in a row and will use the chance of reaching such a milestone as inspiration.

Sorenstam said: “I know I have the chance make history this week and that’s all the motivation I need.

“I have been a little disappointed with my start to the year, but there’s nothing drastically wrong with my game. I’m making lots of birdies – but just too many bogeys.”

If Sorenstam is to win her 10th career major, she will have to hold off the challenge from the glut of young players aiming to win their first.

Top of the list is 16-year-old Michelle Wie, who was second last year and has had five top tens in the big four Championships from just nine starts.

Wie opened the week by attempting to qualify for the US Open, which she missed by five shots, and she said: “Now I’m really excited about being back here and trying to win my first LPGA tournament.

“I’ve got great memories of a year ago and feel my game has improved a lot since then. I’m more mature as a person and as a player and have got a much greater variety of shots. I can think my way around the course much better.”

Paula Creamer, who was number two to Sorenstam on the Tour last year, and Mexico’s

Lorena Ochoa are other leading contenders.

Ochoa, with two wins this year, is currently heading the money list - Sorenstam is at an unusually low number one with just one win – and came close to winning the first major this year before losing to Karrie Webb in a play-off in March.

There are eight British players in the field, including two-time former winner Laura Davies and Karen Stupples, who claimed her first major at the Weetabix Women’s British Open two years ago.

Scot Catriona Matthew is the leading British player this year – and she revealed today she is expecting her first baby in December.